Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Jadey
That was a lame attempt at humor. Sorry. 
But back to reality. One thing I have found rather interesting is that a couple of different guys (Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal) have reported that one sticking point with the Santana to Boston deal has been the Bosox reluctance to include Ellsbury in a deal. But I don't see why. Ellsbury is a guy who has shown ok speed and weak to moderate power through the minors and doesn't project to be much more than a average/slightly better than average CF. I understand he would be a capable starter not eligible for arbitration for a few years, but is Boston holding on to him because he had a good couple of months? It seems to me that now would be the time to deal him, while his value is high compared to his minor league production. |
Well, some people argue that the people who would really like Ellsbury to stay in Boston are reacting to emotion rather than logic, but part of the draw for this kid is that ability to create that emotion. You are flat out underselling him by calling him a guy with "ok speed" and "average/slightly better than average CF." First, the kid can flat out fly. He's been clocked faster to 1st than Ichiro, and last season scored from second on a passed ball (or WP, can't remember). He has game changing speed, and already has great instincts as evidenced by his almost perfect steal percentage. If he's on first with less than 2 out in the 9th, you had better believe the closer has a full diaper and is not wholly focused on the hitter. He is also a very good fielder, not coco crisp, torii hunter good, but very competent. His arm is pretty average, but lately it seems like almost everyone has an average outfield arm except a few guys, and he's certainly stronger than Johnny Damon. Oh and he didn't puddle himself when he got called up to the big show in a huge market in the middle of a penant race, in fact he did better than most of the regulars, I forget his exact stats, but I think it was something like .340 while taking some walks. Will he still have some slumps? sure, will he struggle some when teams devote time to learn how to pitch him? probably some. But I for one will be a little disappointed if his plays great in a Twins uniform.