Strauss: Rotation appears set, but not the outfield

jagtrader · Post by **jagtrader** » March 20 07, 9:29 am

Cronos69 wrote:I'm not a fan of what I've seen from Franklin this Spring at all, though I suppose Hancock isn't worlds better either.

What have you seen, really? Four appearances?

These decisions should be made on track records. When you start buying into tiny spring training results, you start throwing darts. This is how Schumaker ended up getting 70+ miserable at-bats last April. This is how Pulsipher actually made the opening day roster.

JL21 · Post by **JL21** » March 20 07, 9:38 am

I don't mind Franklin making it at all, and I'm confused as to why having Franklin and Hancock is a mutually exclusive proposition. Why not both?

Thompson
Springer
Franklin
Hancock

and then

Flores
Rincon
(or Johnson, though that's looking doubtful)

Am I missing something? What's left? Dove, and potentially Julio.

Cronos · Post by **Cronos** » March 20 07, 9:56 am

jagtrader wrote:
Cronos69 wrote:I'm not a fan of what I've seen from Franklin this Spring at all, though I suppose Hancock isn't worlds better either.
What have you seen, really? Four appearances?

These decisions should be made on track records. When you start buying into tiny spring training results, you start throwing darts. This is how Schumaker ended up getting 70+ miserable at-bats last April. This is how Pulsipher actually made the opening day roster.

I agree with you in principle, but Franklin isn't a guy that you can look back into his track record and see a ton to like. I saw his signing as a Cal Eldred-esque swingman who could potentially start if the Looper experiment didn't succeed at least somewhat(and I'm proposing that early returns say it has, at least somewhat). If I had to choose between Hancock and Franklin, I'd pick Hancock.

jagtrader · Post by **jagtrader** » March 20 07, 10:01 am

I'm not going to get into an extended debate over Hancock vs. Franklin, but if you sign a guy for $1 million in the off-season, you shouldn't be releasing him after four ST appearances. If you do, that tells me you didn't put much thought into signing him in the first place.

Spring training is a total mirage. I think the Cardinals have put too much stock into it in recent years.

haltz · Post by **haltz** » March 20 07, 10:02 am

RC21 wrote:Am I missing something? What's left? Dove, and potentially Julio.

Falkenborg and Jimenez are still in the mix. As well as Narveson. Narveson and Falkenborg, like Hancock, would have to be exposed to waivers to be sent down. Not that any of that is contrary to your point, which I happen to agree with.

I still think a lefty leaves in a trade.

JL21 · Post by **JL21** » March 20 07, 10:05 am

Ah, yes. I'm intrigued by Jiminez. And actually Falkenbourg too.

I'd trade Narveson for a box of Louisville Sluggers.

G. Keenan · Post by **G. Keenan** » March 20 07, 10:17 am

So what happens to Looper once (if) Mulder returns?

Jocephus · Post by **Jocephus** » March 20 07, 10:28 am

G. Keenan wrote:So what happens to Looper once (if) Mulder returns?

traded for vernon wells

Phyrkrakr · Post by **Phyrkrakr** » March 20 07, 10:28 am

G. Keenan wrote:So what happens to Looper once (if) Mulder returns?

We make a trade for an outfielder because a) Juan's wrist isn't healthy or b) Edmonds has another concussion. Then, if Mulder falters, some AAA guys get a shot, whoever the hot hand in Memphis happens to be.

JL21 · Post by **JL21** » March 20 07, 10:40 am

G. Keenan wrote:So what happens to Looper once (if) Mulder returns?

I'm wondering the same thing. But that's predicated on a few things....

1. Looper still being in the rotation that long

2. Mulder being good enough to displace Looper

3. Looper being the pitcher that's displaced, and not Wells, Wainwright, or Reyes.

I think all are likely but neither of the first two is a given. Even #3 is a possibility.

My guess is they'd just ship someone down in the 'pen and then stick Looper back in there.