Comments on: Hamilton: Fit and trim but is he a fit? http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/ Brian Walton's news and commentary on the St. Louis Cardinals (TM) and their minor league system Thu, 24 May 2012 23:15:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Brian Walton http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9736 Brian Walton Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:04:04 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9736 Thanks, bb. For others perhaps mildly curious, here is <a href="http://www.globe-democrat.com/news/2010/mar/03/minor-league-notebook-cardinals-sign-dominican-out/" rel="nofollow">the link</a> to my weekly "Minor League Notebook" column in the St. Louis <em>Globe-Democrat</em>. Most of the minor leaguers haven't arrived in camp yet. Though it is on my own nickel, I will accomplish the desired end result as my plans will put me in Jupiter starting on Tuesday. I haven't missed spring training in about 20 years, long before the move from St. Pete. Thanks, bb. For others perhaps mildly curious, here is the link to my weekly “Minor League Notebook” column in the St. Louis Globe-Democrat.

Most of the minor leaguers haven’t arrived in camp yet. Though it is on my own nickel, I will accomplish the desired end result as my plans will put me in Jupiter starting on Tuesday. I haven’t missed spring training in about 20 years, long before the move from St. Pete.

]]> By: blingboy http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9735 blingboy Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:00:39 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9735 Nice work in the Globe today Brian. It goes without saying, it could have been even better if the Globe would send you to Jupiter, all expenses paid, so you could see those minor leaguers up close. Nice work in the Globe today Brian. It goes without saying, it could have been even better if the Globe would send you to Jupiter, all expenses paid, so you could see those minor leaguers up close.

]]> By: blingboy http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9723 blingboy Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:33:20 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9723 I hear you CC, if my car burned up with $2000 in the trunk I still wouldn't be out $3400. :) I hear you CC, if my car burned up with $2000 in the trunk I still wouldn’t be out $3400. :)

]]> By: Brian Walton http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9722 Brian Walton Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:01:15 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9722 I don't sense it is a flap - just public positioning. I don’t sense it is a flap – just public positioning.

]]> By: CariocaCardinal http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9721 CariocaCardinal Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:59:16 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9721 If a baseball can do $3400 dollars damage to a car, the owner of the car is making too much :) If a baseball can do $3400 dollars damage to a car, the owner of the car is making too much :)

]]> By: blingboy http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9720 blingboy Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:57:09 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9720 It was just a question that occurred to me rather than doubting your judgement. Not phrased well. I had mentioned the James statement thinking it might be of interest to others more so than me, like maybe the beginnings of a flap or something. It was just a question that occurred to me rather than doubting your judgement. Not phrased well. I had mentioned the James statement thinking it might be of interest to others more so than me, like maybe the beginnings of a flap or something.

]]> By: Brian Walton http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9718 Brian Walton Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:29:37 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9718 bb, you can decide whether or not to trust my assessment of that particular aspect of the Theo piece. I chose to summarize a number of detailed offline comments into a more generic answer because this isn't my issue to debate. If you are truly interested, watch for upcoming public remarks that may offer a different spin than the one originally presented. bb, you can decide whether or not to trust my assessment of that particular aspect of the Theo piece. I chose to summarize a number of detailed offline comments into a more generic answer because this isn’t my issue to debate. If you are truly interested, watch for upcoming public remarks that may offer a different spin than the one originally presented.

]]> By: blingboy http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9717 blingboy Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:23:05 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9717 Glad it was interesting. I know I tend to get excited about stuff that is kindergarten level to guys who know a lot about baseball. I would venture to ask whether whoever convinced you that "Epstein’s remark is far more self-serving than accurate" might have been self-serving as well. Today, there is an AP story in the Globe about some maple bats being banned in the minors this year for players not on 40-man rosters. Also, changes to make maple bats safer. There are also changes in the dimensions for all bats for the first time in 100 years it says. The max barrell diameter is reduced and minimum handle diameter increased. This latter applies to MLB it seems from the story. Also, if a big leaguer breaks his bat 10 times, he'll get a talking to by MLB and union 'bat experts'. The Edmonds story in the Post prompted me to see how Glaus is doing with the Braves. He's not injured yet. Heyward blasted one into the parking lot and did $3400 damage to his Asst. GM's car (now that's a real baseball story). Glad it was interesting. I know I tend to get excited about stuff that is kindergarten level to guys who know a lot about baseball. I would venture to ask whether whoever convinced you that “Epstein’s remark is far more self-serving than accurate” might have been self-serving as well.

Today, there is an AP story in the Globe about some maple bats being banned in the minors this year for players not on 40-man rosters. Also, changes to make maple bats safer.

There are also changes in the dimensions for all bats for the first time in 100 years it says. The max barrell diameter is reduced and minimum handle diameter increased. This latter applies to MLB it seems from the story. Also, if a big leaguer breaks his bat 10 times, he’ll get a talking to by MLB and union ‘bat experts’.

The Edmonds story in the Post prompted me to see how Glaus is doing with the Braves. He’s not injured yet. Heyward blasted one into the parking lot and did $3400 damage to his Asst. GM’s car (now that’s a real baseball story).

]]> By: Brian Walton http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9713 Brian Walton Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:39:42 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9713 bb, I want you to know I did not ignore your post #19 about the Theo interview. I appreciate you sharing the link as I found the details most interesting. I may plan to use it in the future. It took me a day to get an answer about the Bill James Handbook, which by the way began long before James' employment with Boston. Its publisher is a friend of mine. The net of the deal is that it could be a ticklish situation if a prominent member of an organization is making projections on his own team's players that are not appropriately optimistic. Yet one needs to maintain objectivity to maintain credibility. Public comments are made to keep a wide gulf between the endeavors, but rest assured Epstein's remark is far more self-serving than accurate. bb, I want you to know I did not ignore your post #19 about the Theo interview. I appreciate you sharing the link as I found the details most interesting. I may plan to use it in the future.

It took me a day to get an answer about the Bill James Handbook, which by the way began long before James’ employment with Boston. Its publisher is a friend of mine. The net of the deal is that it could be a ticklish situation if a prominent member of an organization is making projections on his own team’s players that are not appropriately optimistic. Yet one needs to maintain objectivity to maintain credibility. Public comments are made to keep a wide gulf between the endeavors, but rest assured Epstein’s remark is far more self-serving than accurate.

]]> By: blingboy http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9687 blingboy Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:05:07 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9687 Interesting report from Jupiter today Here are the groups for defensive prectice today: Quote: Field No. 1 * Anderson * Pagnozzi * Molina * LaRue * Pujols * Schumaker * Lopez * Lugo * Greene * Freese * Craig * Holliday * Rasmus * Ludwick * Mather * Stavinoha Field No. 6 * Cruz * Cutler * Hill * Stock * Hamilton * Descalso * Kozma * Solano * Gotay * Jay * Robinson * Henley * Jones It is interesting the way they are divided up, looks like the team that is most likely headed to St. Louis is on field 1 and those headed to various minor league stadiums are on field 6. from cardsclubhouse blog Interesting report from Jupiter today

Here are the groups for defensive prectice today:
Quote:
Field No. 1

* Anderson
* Pagnozzi
* Molina
* LaRue
* Pujols
* Schumaker
* Lopez
* Lugo
* Greene
* Freese
* Craig
* Holliday
* Rasmus
* Ludwick
* Mather
* Stavinoha

Field No. 6

* Cruz
* Cutler
* Hill
* Stock
* Hamilton
* Descalso
* Kozma
* Solano
* Gotay
* Jay
* Robinson
* Henley
* Jones
It is interesting the way they are divided up, looks like the team that is most likely headed to St. Louis is on field 1 and those headed to various minor league stadiums are on field 6.

from cardsclubhouse blog

]]> By: blingboy http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9686 blingboy Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:50:39 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9686 Theo Epstien may or may not be any good at evaluating players. I dove into this article, knowing it was mostly over my head, in an effort to get a better grip on why certain things happen that seem to not make sence. Like Lopez going to the Cards for $1M. Like our prized prospect 3rd baseman Wallace being maybe a 1st base/DH for a low budget also-ran. Like Bay walking and MH getting a shrug from the money teams. What might Wallace mean for all these guys jamming up in Memphis and Springfield. How can Luhnow, and presumably the Cards rate their prospect pool so radically different then does everybody else? It's a great article on the Red Sox player evaluation strategy. And sheds some light on the things mentioned in the previous paragraph. Here are a few quotes: ". . . the most simple measure is taking balls that are in play and turning them into outs. . . we were the third-worst team in baseball in doing that." "we have one of the best farm systems in baseball. I’ll be honest with you, because of the switch we made from college to high school kids in the draft" " If we just let things happen and inertia took over and we just brought back the same team or took a really convenient path or went out and signed the highest-paid position player on the market, I don’t think it was going to solve the problems we had. The players available did fit because they addressed our run prevention, and they were available on shorter contracts, so when the prospects are ready they won’t be blocked." ". . . you are probably reading from the Bill James Handbook, which he doesn’t have anything to do with. They just slap his name on it. Really? Those projections are not his actual projections. . . " http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2010/02/25/theo-epstein-on-dc-sox-need-balance/ Theo Epstien may or may not be any good at evaluating players. I dove into this article, knowing it was mostly over my head, in an effort to get a better grip on why certain things happen that seem to not make sence. Like Lopez going to the Cards for $1M. Like our prized prospect 3rd baseman Wallace being maybe a 1st base/DH for a low budget also-ran. Like Bay walking and MH getting a shrug from the money teams. What might Wallace mean for all these guys jamming up in Memphis and Springfield. How can Luhnow, and presumably the Cards rate their prospect pool so radically different then does everybody else?

It’s a great article on the Red Sox player evaluation strategy. And sheds some light on the things mentioned in the previous paragraph. Here are a few quotes:

“. . . the most simple measure is taking balls that are in play and turning them into outs. . . we were the third-worst team in baseball in doing that.”

“we have one of the best farm systems in baseball. I’ll be honest with you, because of the switch we made from college to high school kids in the draft”

” If we just let things happen and inertia took over and we just brought back the same team or took a really convenient path or went out and signed the highest-paid position player on the market, I don’t think it was going to solve the problems we had. The players available did fit because they addressed our run prevention, and they were available on shorter contracts, so when the prospects are ready they won’t be blocked.”

“. . . you are probably reading from the Bill James Handbook, which he doesn’t have anything to do with. They just slap his name on it.

Really?

Those projections are not his actual projections. . . ”

http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2010/02/25/theo-epstein-on-dc-sox-need-balance/

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9662 JumboShrimp Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:06:05 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9662 I would give the Cards credit for persuading guys to try new positions. This is people positive and provides more opportunity. Mulligan, Motte, Dave Carpenter were strong armed catchers not good at hitting. Conversely 3B Tony Cruz and C Steve Hill were tried at catcher. Allen Craig tried 3B for a couple of years before falling back to LF. I would give the Cards credit for persuading guys to try new positions. This is people positive and provides more opportunity. Mulligan, Motte, Dave Carpenter were strong armed catchers not good at hitting. Conversely 3B Tony Cruz and C Steve Hill were tried at catcher. Allen Craig tried 3B for a couple of years before falling back to LF.

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9661 JumboShrimp Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:53:05 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9661 "The Cardinals have been trumpeting Hamilton's winter ball stint in the Dominican Republic as having been valuable for him to be learning to play LF." Some folks on the development side are good at communicating positives. This is not necessarily a bad trait. Its good to face life positively. Also, its not a bad idea for any minor leaguer to gain experience at more than one position. For many firstbasemen, the next position to try is LF. Winter-ball seems a good low key place to experiment. Sometimes, its possible to take what the Cards say too seriously. Luhnow predicted Kozma would hit .340 at Johnson City and Robert Delacruz would begin pro ball, age 17, at Johnson City. These were over-enthusiastic predictions. With Hamilton, its good if he shags some flies in left, but his ceiling will probably depend on health, luck, and first base. I can understand Brian thinking happy talk about Hamilton in LF is not persuasive. This would be because its not. “The Cardinals have been trumpeting Hamilton’s winter ball stint in the Dominican Republic as having been valuable for him to be learning to play LF.”

Some folks on the development side are good at communicating positives. This is not necessarily a bad trait. Its good to face life positively. Also, its not a bad idea for any minor leaguer to gain experience at more than one position. For many firstbasemen, the next position to try is LF. Winter-ball seems a good low key place to experiment.
Sometimes, its possible to take what the Cards say too seriously. Luhnow predicted Kozma would hit .340 at Johnson City and Robert Delacruz would begin pro ball, age 17, at Johnson City. These were over-enthusiastic predictions. With Hamilton, its good if he shags some flies in left, but his ceiling will probably depend on health, luck, and first base.
I can understand Brian thinking happy talk about Hamilton in LF is not persuasive. This would be because its not.

]]> By: blingboy http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9660 blingboy Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:52:26 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9660 It seems reasonable to think there could be a prime job in right field next year, depending. Whether the Cards can and will keep paying Luddy may depend an what some of these guys show starting now. It seems reasonable to think there could be a prime job in right field next year, depending. Whether the Cards can and will keep paying Luddy may depend an what some of these guys show starting now.

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9651 JumboShrimp Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:14:42 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9651 Lou, you are correct the Cards have good depth and competition for the AAA and AA squads. Glad to find us on the same wavelength about this. Lou, you are correct the Cards have good depth and competition for the AAA and AA squads. Glad to find us on the same wavelength about this.

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9650 JumboShrimp Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:13:19 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9650 Re 10, CC, age discrimination is silly, as illustrated by Ryan Franklin, Skip Schumaker, Ryan Ludwick, Jim Bibby, Dick Hughes, among many others. Guys are not washed up by 27. If they were, we would be in trouble, just dishing out so much moola for the next 7 years to 29 year old Matt Holliday. Hamilton needs AAA reps. I could care less if Hamilton spends two more years training at Memphis. Mo and Jeff may not either. Its just business. Re 10, CC, age discrimination is silly, as illustrated by Ryan Franklin, Skip Schumaker, Ryan Ludwick, Jim Bibby, Dick Hughes, among many others. Guys are not washed up by 27. If they were, we would be in trouble, just dishing out so much moola for the next 7 years to 29 year old Matt Holliday.
Hamilton needs AAA reps. I could care less if Hamilton spends two more years training at Memphis. Mo and Jeff may not either. Its just business.

]]> By: Nutlaw http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9649 Nutlaw Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:12:30 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9649 I've said it before and I'll say it again: if Pujols' arm is really healthy, tying him to first base is both a waste of his ability and an unnecessary handicap upon the team's roster. While not a stellar third baseman, his fielding there compared favorably to the likes of Joe Thurston and Brian Barden. Furthermore, he was better than average at left field, and had better numbers than Matt Holliday at the position. I'd rather see a replacement level first baseman in the lineup than a replacement level third baseman. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if Pujols’ arm is really healthy, tying him to first base is both a waste of his ability and an unnecessary handicap upon the team’s roster.

While not a stellar third baseman, his fielding there compared favorably to the likes of Joe Thurston and Brian Barden. Furthermore, he was better than average at left field, and had better numbers than Matt Holliday at the position.

I’d rather see a replacement level first baseman in the lineup than a replacement level third baseman.

]]> By: Lou Schuler http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9646 Lou Schuler Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:00:42 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9646 Springfield may be competitive offensively this year only due to the guys that can’t make Memphis because there is no room. There really aren’t a lot of players from PB and QC last year pushing up hard behind them. -------------- Unfortunately, the guys who've earned a promotion from PB are outfielders. I'm thinking specifically of Adron Chambers (.770 OPS in a tough hitting environment) and Curt Smith (.742 OPS at PB, .819 OPS at SPR). Both guys are 23 with nothing left to prove in A ball. I know Smith can also play 1B, but that doesn't really help with Brown and Hill there as well, at least to start the season. There's also Charlie Cutler, another 23-year-old coming off a .796 OPS at PB and .865 at QC. He's mostly a catcher, but he played a few games in the OF and 1B. Finally, Tommy Pham played a full season at PB. With his .691 OPS (and .232 BA), he looks like he could use more time there. But if he gets off to a fast start and looks like he's ready for the next level, how many of these guys will be allowed to block his progress? With his power and speed, he seems like the kind of guy you don't hold back. Springfield may be competitive offensively this year only due to the guys that can’t make Memphis because there is no room. There really aren’t a lot of players from PB and QC last year pushing up hard behind them.

————–

Unfortunately, the guys who’ve earned a promotion from PB are outfielders. I’m thinking specifically of Adron Chambers (.770 OPS in a tough hitting environment) and Curt Smith (.742 OPS at PB, .819 OPS at SPR). Both guys are 23 with nothing left to prove in A ball.

I know Smith can also play 1B, but that doesn’t really help with Brown and Hill there as well, at least to start the season.

There’s also Charlie Cutler, another 23-year-old coming off a .796 OPS at PB and .865 at QC. He’s mostly a catcher, but he played a few games in the OF and 1B.

Finally, Tommy Pham played a full season at PB. With his .691 OPS (and .232 BA), he looks like he could use more time there. But if he gets off to a fast start and looks like he’s ready for the next level, how many of these guys will be allowed to block his progress? With his power and speed, he seems like the kind of guy you don’t hold back.

]]> By: CariocaCardinal http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9645 CariocaCardinal Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:51:27 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9645 If Hamilton is not in the majors by 2011 he probably won't be ever (if he stays healthy). No reason he needs 2 more full seasons at AAA after OPSing over .930 between AA and AAA last year. If Hamilton is not in the majors by 2011 he probably won’t be ever (if he stays healthy). No reason he needs 2 more full seasons at AAA after OPSing over .930 between AA and AAA last year.

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9640 JumboShrimp Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:58:56 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9640 A lot of left swingers do not fare well against southpaw pitchers. If he is another, Hamilton would not be unusual. Hamilton's big challenges for 2009 are staying healthy and AAA pitchers. If he meets these challenges, he helps his chances of reaching the majors. A lot of left swingers do not fare well against southpaw pitchers. If he is another, Hamilton would not be unusual. Hamilton’s big challenges for 2009 are staying healthy and AAA pitchers. If he meets these challenges, he helps his chances of reaching the majors.

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9639 JumboShrimp Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:53:00 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9639 Hamilton needs one or two full seasons at AAA, to develop and to establish his readiness for the majors. If he is now 25, having been slowed the past two seasons with injuries, he may become most ready for the majors in 2012, then age 27. A lot of people would then consider him suspect, because they think anybody good has to be established in the majors by age 25. Hamilton signed in 2006, the same draft as Allen Craig, who was chosen 6 rounds lower. If Hamilton had not been slowed by injuries during parts of the past two seasons, he might be a good candidate for the majors already, like Craig. Instead, Hamilton needs more training in the minors. With the injuries, Hamilton is not a hot prospect, touted by prognositicators. Most of his value is in his bat; he does not cover off an elite defensive position. However, for the Cards, Hamilton is a welcome asset. If he stays fit and has a strong season, Hamilton could become a trade chip or provide depth in the unwelcome event of an injury to Pujols. Hamilton needs one or two full seasons at AAA, to develop and to establish his readiness for the majors. If he is now 25, having been slowed the past two seasons with injuries, he may become most ready for the majors in 2012, then age 27. A lot of people would then consider him suspect, because they think anybody good has to be established in the majors by age 25.
Hamilton signed in 2006, the same draft as Allen Craig, who was chosen 6 rounds lower. If Hamilton had not been slowed by injuries during parts of the past two seasons, he might be a good candidate for the majors already, like Craig. Instead, Hamilton needs more training in the minors.
With the injuries, Hamilton is not a hot prospect, touted by prognositicators. Most of his value is in his bat; he does not cover off an elite defensive position. However, for the Cards, Hamilton is a welcome asset. If he stays fit and has a strong season, Hamilton could become a trade chip or provide depth in the unwelcome event of an injury to Pujols.

]]> By: Brian Walton http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9638 Brian Walton Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:51:57 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9638 Barring a multitude of injuries, I suspect several of these guys are going to have to play somewhere else. Cazana has to be up near the top of candidates. Barring a multitude of injuries, I suspect several of these guys are going to have to play somewhere else. Cazana has to be up near the top of candidates.

]]> By: Nutlaw http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9637 Nutlaw Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:48:41 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9637 They can't keep Cazana in Memphis over the horde of younger guys, can they? They can’t keep Cazana in Memphis over the horde of younger guys, can they?

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9635 JumboShrimp Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:26:49 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9635 One guy we can all agree was not a good fit was 1B Mike Ferris, 2nd rounder in 2004 from Miami of Ohio. Ferris was dismal in the NYPa league, mediocre in the Midwest League, and a part-timer until released. Happily, Hamilton may have higher ceiling. If Hamilton can stay healthy and play well at AAA over the next year or two, the Boras client might get a shot at the majors, via trade. One guy we can all agree was not a good fit was 1B Mike Ferris, 2nd rounder in 2004 from Miami of Ohio. Ferris was dismal in the NYPa league, mediocre in the Midwest League, and a part-timer until released. Happily, Hamilton may have higher ceiling. If Hamilton can stay healthy and play well at AAA over the next year or two, the Boras client might get a shot at the majors, via trade.

]]> By: Brian Walton http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9633 Brian Walton Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:58:31 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9633 I see your point on LH and good reminder about Brown and Hill, too CC. More and more bats with no place to play them. They also have Tyler Greene, who I would think they would also want to see get some OF time in Memphis to be ready as a utility player when needed again in St. Louis. Springfield may be competitive offensively this year only due to the guys that can't make Memphis because there is no room. There really aren't a lot of players from PB and QC last year pushing up hard behind them. I see your point on LH and good reminder about Brown and Hill, too CC. More and more bats with no place to play them. They also have Tyler Greene, who I would think they would also want to see get some OF time in Memphis to be ready as a utility player when needed again in St. Louis.

Springfield may be competitive offensively this year only due to the guys that can’t make Memphis because there is no room. There really aren’t a lot of players from PB and QC last year pushing up hard behind them.

]]> By: CariocaCardinal http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9632 CariocaCardinal Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:47:50 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9632 Nice article. I basically agree with its premise but think Andrew Brown and Steven Hill also affect Hamilton's status. Brown showed improved skills in between time on the DL last year. If he starts off hot the way he finished the year he has to go to Memphis. Brown is also a 1B with some OF skills. He hit RH though. Some think Hill has a major league bat. He is also most likely a long term 1B with limited OF skills. He may be a little more versatile with some catching skills. How the Cards see Hamilton relative to those two may determine his future as much as anything. If they like Hamilton better as potential insurance to Pujols he may be kept around. If not, he may be moved sooner rather than later. Nice article. I basically agree with its premise but think Andrew Brown and Steven Hill also affect Hamilton’s status. Brown showed improved skills in between time on the DL last year. If he starts off hot the way he finished the year he has to go to Memphis. Brown is also a 1B with some OF skills. He hit RH though. Some think Hill has a major league bat. He is also most likely a long term 1B with limited OF skills. He may be a little more versatile with some catching skills. How the Cards see Hamilton relative to those two may determine his future as much as anything. If they like Hamilton better as potential insurance to Pujols he may be kept around. If not, he may be moved sooner rather than later.

]]> By: CariocaCardinal http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9631 CariocaCardinal Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:33:43 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9631 LH = lefthanded LH = lefthanded

]]> By: CariocaCardinal http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9630 CariocaCardinal Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:33:00 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9630 Dont think Struass was touting Ham's ability to hit lefthanders but his ability to hit LH! Dont think Struass was touting Ham’s ability to hit lefthanders but his ability to hit LH!

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/27/hamilton-fit-and-trim-but-is-he-a-fit/#comment-9629 JumboShrimp Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:29:48 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6985#comment-9629 IIRC, Hamilton may be the son of a dentist (like McGwire) or another kind of doctor. Grew up near Houston, played at Tulane U. The scouting book on Hamilton coming out of Tulane was he could only be a first baseman, not having athleticism to play LF or RF. If so, Hamilton is not another budding Chris Duncan, who could run pretty well for a 6'5" first baseman and play LF (even if Chris misread some flyballs). Hamilton has lost time to injuries in 2008 and 2009. The Cards will hope he can stay healthy and rack up more than 400 at bats at Memphis in 2010. Hamilton can have economic value staying at his best position, 1B. If Hamilton hits well at AAA, he can become a trading asset. IIRC, Hamilton may be the son of a dentist (like McGwire) or another kind of doctor. Grew up near Houston, played at Tulane U.
The scouting book on Hamilton coming out of Tulane was he could only be a first baseman, not having athleticism to play LF or RF. If so, Hamilton is not another budding Chris Duncan, who could run pretty well for a 6’5″ first baseman and play LF (even if Chris misread some flyballs).
Hamilton has lost time to injuries in 2008 and 2009. The Cards will hope he can stay healthy and rack up more than 400 at bats at Memphis in 2010.
Hamilton can have economic value staying at his best position, 1B. If Hamilton hits well at AAA, he can become a trading asset.

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