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Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Imrem: Let’s trust Piniella on this one

The latest hoopla from Imrem (who, BTW...changed his name from Impylon).

There’s also talk-radio chatter that Soriano has a bad attitude! That he’s making too much money! That White Sox outfielder Nick Swisher is a better player!

Whoa, folks, slow down. The only legitimate debate here is whether Soriano should bat first in the order or down lower.

Otherwise everything is nonsense, starting with Swisher over Soriano.

That’s reminiscent of when some goofs actually blurted that during their primes, Mark Grace was a better first baseman to have on a team than Frank Thomas. What’s next, Pamela Anderson over Meryl Streep?

Soriano is more valuable than Swisher, who is a good player. Soriano might not be a chemistry guy, cheerleader or jokester, but he’s a better player.

Repoz Posted: April 30, 2008 at 08:06 AM | 10 comment(s)
Related News: General, Chi Cubs, Chi White Sox

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1. Cooperstown Schtick Posted: April 30, 2008 at 09:21 AM (#2764007)

I was with ya right up until the Pam Anderson analogy, and then you lost me.

2. Edmundo was digging the Italian ladies Posted: April 30, 2008 at 09:36 AM (#2764019)

What’s next, Pamela Anderson over Meryl Streep?
Kind of depends on the topic, doesn't it? And in a few years, the answer might categorically no. Pam is starting to get Plastic Surgery Scary looking, IMO.

3. csi: bedford falls Posted: April 30, 2008 at 12:27 PM (#2764135)

Yeah, Pammy is a much better leadoff hitter than Frank Thomas. No idea what his point is, other than Soriano leads off cause coach says so. Provocative.

4. ellsbury my heart at wounded knee Posted: April 30, 2008 at 12:45 PM (#2764162)

It seems like Swisher isn't having the best year so far, either. He's getting on base pretty well, but he hasn't really been hitting. I'm kind of surprised that Soriano would compare so unfavorably to him at this point.

5. Billy B Posted: April 30, 2008 at 12:54 PM (#2764181)

Putting aside that Soriano only makes $15m more than Swisher, perhaps we should wait until we see a full season of Swisher in CF before deciding who is more valuable. Also, Pam >>>>> Streep. .

6. csi: bedford falls Posted: April 30, 2008 at 01:21 PM (#2764219)

How can you say Pam is better? You never saw the March 02 issue of Swank with the Streep centerfold?!! She's covered in baby oil, riding a fire truck and wearing nothing but boots and a smile. Still the #1 pinup in stations from Palo Alto to Pawtucket.

7. Slinger Francisco Barrios (Dr. Memory) Posted: April 30, 2008 at 02:51 PM (#2764406)

I can't think of any circumstance under which I would rather be in the presence of Pam Anderson than Meryl Streep. Not one. Anderson is grotesque.

8. Dan Contilli Posted: April 30, 2008 at 05:19 PM (#2764574)

Soriano had 19 outfield assists last season. I'm not sure how to quantify that-I'm sure somene here could give it a shot-but even a bad offensive season by Soriano is probably more valuable than a good Swisher season because of that.

9. paytonrules Posted: May 01, 2008 at 12:08 PM (#2765254)

Swisher has the "scrappy" reputation, which gets man-love from columnists especially on the South Side. Last year Darrin Erstad was fantastic, until he was hurt (never mind he was hitting about .220). Alfonso selfish, Swisher scrappy, Fukudome perfect fundamentally. Don't do any research or try, racial stereotypes are just fine thank you very much.

I really despise our MSM in Chicago sometimes. The sportswriters almost uniformly suck.

10. JPWF13 Posted: May 01, 2008 at 12:36 PM (#2765308)

Soriano had 19 outfield assists last season. I'm not sure how to quantify that-I'm sure somene here could give it a shot-but even a bad offensive season by Soriano is probably more valuable than a good Swisher season because of that.

Bad Offensive season by Soriano: 2004: .280/.324/.484 OPS+ 100, RC= 5.7/g (97/658 PAs) (Park adjustment factor of 108- so more like 5.2/g or 90/658 PAs)
Good offensive season by Swisher: 2006: .254/.372/.493 OPS+ 125, RC= 6.4/g (106/672 PAs)(Park adjustment factor of 98- so more like 6.5/g or 108/672 PAs- and Swisher makes fewer outs per his PAs- so his teammates get more PAs to play with)

Soriano: 19 assists (assumption: otherwise outfield defense is even with Swisher)
Swisher: 3-5 assists

Swisher is ahead 18-25 runs on offensive (bad Soriano year versus good Swisher year), Soriano has a 15 assist advantage - that's worth approximately 9 runs by my calculations.

Swisher in a good year is better than Soriano in a bad year.

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Imrem: Let’s trust Piniella on this one

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