The NL is much more complicated. In a just and meaningful universe, Reds center fielder Jay Bruce would be the heavy favorite. He’s got exceptional skills and a peerless track record, he’s playing a key defensive position, and Cincinnati provides a great hitter’s environment. However, Cincy manager Dusty Baker isn’t inclined to trust young talent, and he’s got other, veteran options in center (to wit, Ryan Freel and Corey Patterson). Worse yet, Bruce is presently sidelined with a strained quad, so he’s falling even further behind.
Similarly, Reds first baseman Joey Votto is competing against a veteran — Scott Hatteberg in this instance — so he may not get the chance he needs to mount a charge for ROY. Some of Baker’s recent comments imply that he cares neither for Votto’s lack of foot speed or patient approach at the plate. Tell us again why you’d hire Baker to manage a young roster?
...Elsewhere, keep a particular eye on Cubs catcher Geovany Soto, who might just be the favorite. You won’t see his name bandied about in most lists of ROY favorites, but he’s got a lot of factors in his favor. One, he’s a darn good hitter (he led all of Triple-A in SLG last season), two, he plays a key defensive position, and three, he’s going to be in the Chicago lineup on a regular basis. Given a full season of playing time in a home park that’s friendly to right-handed power hitters, don’t be surprised if Soto reaches the 25-homer threshold. Doing so, while manning catcher, would make him the top contender for NL ROY.
Repoz
Posted: March 11, 2008 at 06:14 PM |
17 comment(s)
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I thought Buchholz just got bumped, is that not happening?
Yes to Towles; BaseballAmerica claims that Ausmus is back this season purely in a reserve/coaching role, and that they contemplated just making him a coach.
Jair Jurrjens, probably.
Nyjer Morgan, possibly.
Franklin Morales, probably.
Keep an eye on who the Rockies choose as their 2B. Barmes and Quintanilla are not rookies...Nix and Ian Stewart are.
If so, and I believe he qualifies, I could easily see Parra getting a spot in the rotation due to injury and/or someone stinking it up.
So say Parra grabs a spot in mid-May, the Brewers defense is sub-par versus awful (which is not a big issue for a strikeout guy like Manny), the team scores a fair amount of runs and Parra gets 25 odd starts? That could be a 15-5 season with an ERA around 3.00.
Sounds like a ROY to me........................
Not much confidence in Mr. Hampton, I see.......
I'm rosy on Parra if he's healthy, but that would be stunning.
Here is my reasoning which I mentioned somewhat above:
--Parra is a strikeout guy
--Parra doesn't have the need of defensive support like a Suppan/Capuano
--Parra is a legitimately fine pitcher, when healthy
--Miller Park is a decent pitcher's park if you can keep the ball in the park
--Parra is lefty and good lefties are few and far between
In that scenario with a team that can score a pitcher of quality could ring up an impressive W-L record.
My friends living out in AZ tell me Parra looks OUTSTANDING so far this spring. He has electric stuff.
Well, this is the key, isn't it? I don't think anyone would deny that he can pitch well, he just has to stay healthy, which he hasn't done thus far.
Ah, but his injury last year was a freak event. And if anything the lost time has likely spared his arm extra wear and tear.
I think he's a classic breakout candidate, Yost or no as manager..........
I like Joba in the AL because he's already famous. That or Ellsbury.
Agreed, but didn't he also have injuries during each season from 04-06? (I'm having a hard time finding any info online) Don't get me wrong, I think he's the 3rd best pitcher on the team (and I'm definitely rooting for him), but it seems he's about as likely to pitch a full season as Sheets.
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