Monday Rockpile: The one in which we can only discuss indirectly the Rockies' catcher situation

by Russ Oates on Nov 9, 2009 7:43 AM MST in Rockpile

There are many elements that go into every important decision. In the first place, you must try to grapple with the facts. What is the actual situation?

Secretary of State Dean Rusk to Eric Goldman (January 12, 1964)
Quoted in Secret Agencies: U.S. Intelligence in a Hostile World (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1996)

Baseball's GM Meetings take place today through Wednesday, and Dan O'Dowd knows that this offseason won't be much different from most other years:

"I think we are going to have a fairly quiet winter, but we will have to see what's out there to fill our needs," O'Dowd said. "But we will be sensible and balance what's out there with the players we have in our own system."

Patrick Saunders goes over most of the well-tread ground for the Rockies this offseason, but he also mentions several young pitchers who might be ready to help the Rockies in 2010: Samuel Deduno, Esmil Rogers, and Greg Smith. Greg Reynolds also receives a mention, but being "in a better place," in O'Dowd's words, after surgery isn't a ringing endorsement.

Saunders: Is 2010 the Rockies' year of Iannetta? - The Denver Post
Remember, there's still some rule in place that stops us from directly discussing this----or not.

Phillies decline option on third baseman Feliz - MLB - CBSSports.com Baseball
Well, now the Phillies can go after Garrett Atkins once he's non-tendered.

Victor Zambrano's mother kidnapped in Venezuela - MLB - SI.com
"The mother of former major league pitcher Victor Zambrano was kidnapped Sunday, Zambrano's agent Peter Greenberg said late Sunday night by phone."

Coming up shortly, SBN's 2009 Managers of the Year Award.

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I think

my vote would go for Stewart needing to take the next step forward – particularly if he can hit lefties well (as he did in the minors). He’s a good defender, and a possible bigtime bat and if he does hit lefties well, it will help reduce the problems of our seemingly lefty-heavy lineup…

"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker

by Resolution on Nov 9, 2009 8:46 AM MST reply actions

In think an interesting name to be looking at is Nomar.

If he still has the desire, he fits several spots….back up 3B, back up 1B, right handed bat off the bench. The real question I guess after his desire is how much does he have left in the tank. Definitely worth a look IMO.

People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby

by pedalpusher on Nov 9, 2009 8:57 AM MST reply actions

His bat is no where near where it once was

He would not be a good defensive replacement and he is guaranteed to make at least one trip to the DL. I’d pass.

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 9, 2009 10:11 AM MST up reply actions

the RHB part is interesting to me

I would rather have someone like Ross Gload, but then again, the whole RHB off of the bench is something as well.

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 9, 2009 10:16 AM MST up reply actions

Just say no to Nomar

the system I use has him at a -1.08 WAR this year. This isn’t the type of player we want or need.

The Future:

Smith LF
Fowler CF
CarGo RF

by wolf213 on Nov 9, 2009 10:51 AM MST up reply actions

What about Troy Glaus in Nomar's stead then?

Fits the RHB and can play some first and third.

I got nothing.

by nkrause on Nov 9, 2009 11:38 AM MST up reply actions

I doubt he will be looking for a backup role.

by mkorpal on Nov 9, 2009 11:43 AM MST up reply actions

I really hope

we can do better than Nomar. He would probably be in the Steve Finley mold of productivity at this point in his career. Though the elaborate between-pitch glove routine is always a treat.

by Teekalong on Nov 9, 2009 12:29 PM MST up reply actions

oooh, finley

good comp

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 9, 2009 12:29 PM MST up reply actions

yea

i don’t want to see tracy get a veteran induced hard-on for nomar and give him 300 PAs

by Jim Jiminez on Nov 9, 2009 5:36 PM MST up reply actions

Nick Green would be a denent guy to pick up for the backup role

He can backup 3B, 2B, SS, and could probably play 1st if absolutely needed. He is right handed, good defensively, and isn’t completely lost at the plate.

by mkorpal on Nov 9, 2009 11:26 AM MST reply actions

I would support this move

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 9, 2009 11:49 AM MST up reply actions

And he can PITCH.

by Greg Stanwood on Nov 9, 2009 5:51 PM MST up reply actions

so can Gload!

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 9, 2009 6:34 PM MST up reply actions

How does woba

account for the “white hot fire burning behind CDI’s eyes” as defined by Saunders? I think Yorvit’s was more of a mellow simmering fire.

Also enjoyed the elaborate citation of Russ’ opening quote, which should also be cited as “the definition of stating the obvious.” I think you might be able to find a few more people who have come to that determination, hopefully pre-1964… (not trying to be a jerk, just amusing to me for some reason)

by Teekalong on Nov 9, 2009 12:27 PM MST reply actions