Interesting signing, I'm surprised they didn't go with someone with a better track record. Gibons has a lot of pressure on him, if the team falters then all the blame will be squarely directed towards him.
Interesting signing, I'm surprised they didn't go with someone with a better track record. Gibons has a lot of pressure on him, if the team falters then all the blame will be squarely directed towards him.
Which is usually silly and Gibbons was scapegoated a bit the first time around in Toronto. It's tough to put losing on a manager unless he is making obvious errors in bullpen management or in-game management. If the players simply slump or fall of a cliff production wise, that will contribute more to losing than anything else.
Look at guys like Girardi and Matheny. Their teams made it far this team and I've seen both make some very questionable decisions. Moreso Girardi since I don't watch too many NL games. This is a guy who once issued two intentional walks in a game before even the 5th inning.
Other than Joe Maddon, I can't really think of one manager that I'd label as "good". All you need is talent on the field and a manager who isn't an idiot.
Not a big fan of BJ Upton, I wouldn't trust him to deliver. I do think Justin is a better player but last year surprised me with his lack of production.
Not a big fan of BJ Upton, I wouldn't trust him to deliver. I do think Justin is a better player but last year surprised me with his lack of production.
Justin would cost the Braves a premium package of players, and something like 50 million in salary. Too expensive.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AngelEyes
Upton had only a .298 on base percentage last season, I wouldn't have given him that contract.
It's not as bad as you want to believe. Upton's career low BB% in 2012 still places him around the median for CF's. What he loses in average, he makes up for in power. His career sb% is right around 77%, so he has that going for him too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skywalker
His prime years are gone unless some new hitting coach fixes him.
He's coming off a 28 HR season as a CF. He's got plenty left to give Atlanta over the next 5 years.
Aroldis Chapman is going to the rotation and will be put on a pitch limit. I definitely understand this idea, a dominant starting pitcher will always be more valuable than a dominant bull pen guy. It is a risk however, Chapman was so damn good last year and you don't know how he'll adapt to going to the rotation and you have to be concerned about how his arm holds up.
Re: MLB Thread 2012
