Thursday,
December 5, 2007
NOOOOOOO!!!!!
Just read ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick
say that the Twins
may be after David Eckstein. Rumors are abundant at the Winter Meetings, so
not a big deal yet. The quotes from Ron Gardenhire are what scares me!
“I've always had a lot of
respect for him. He catches the ball. He knows how to play. He's a proven
winner.” Yes, yes. He battles his tail off.
Unfortunately, this is also code for “can’t hit”, “not great defensively”, “No
power”, “played on good teams in the past that had actually good hitters.” Listen,
I appreciate the effort put in by David
Eckstein. He works hard. But is he really good? More importantly, he is
said to be
asking for 4 years and $36 million. There is no way he is worth that much in
dollars or years. Just think about it. The comments being made about Jed Lowrie’s
defense at shortstop are the realities about Eckstein at SS. I would much
rather have the guy that will make less than a
half-million the next three years AND outhit the veteran! (Note – Eckstein was
#8 on my list of most overrated players)
Also, I neglected to think of Detroit’s Justin Verlander when talking about the
Tigers pitching staff. OK, he is absolutely legit and my current choice for
2008 AL Cy Young favorite.
The Johan Saga continues. Apparently the Twins have now tried to
kick-start conversation with the Angels, Dodgers and Mets again, likely in an
attempt to drive up the price from the Red Sox. I truly believe that the
Yankees are out, and really, they are wise to be. I just went from thinking a
deal was imminent Monday night, and wondering all day Tuesday just when it
would happen, to now I am thinking that we will be waiting a while.
What else are you hearing?