Thursday, November 13, 2003
FREE IS MY SECOND FAVORITE FOUR LETTER "F" WORD
Freely Available Talent (FAT) is not exactly free. In the SABR world, my understanding of the term is acquiring a player without giving up any player or much cash in return. FAT can come in different ways like the Rule V draft, the waiver wire, and minor league free agents. Aaron Gleeman describes the subject and lists 2003's successful minor league free agents and his picks for next season. I like Aaron's choices and here are my own (Aaron names two of the four, but I'll comment on them):
•Willie Banks is a mop-up pitcher that saves your more valuable arms in the pen when the game is out of hand. He gives the club a better chance of winning tomorrow. On pitching staffs that go eleven and sometimes twelve deep, a club can give Willie Banks a spot.
•Tsuyoshi Shinjo can't hit for a lick but the man is a top defensive player in the outfield and can take a base. Shinjo has some value as a fifth outfielder/backup centerfielder either on the 25-man or waiting in AAA. A contending team could use Shinjo as an insurance policy for center. As a September callup, Shinjo could be a defensive and pinch running replacement. A rebuilding team, especially one with a huge outfield, might want to carry Shinjo for his glove. Nothing helps a pitcher's confidence more than a good defense behind him – Detroit.
•Mark Johnson is a catcher, patient left-handed hitter and mentioned in Moneyball. Scouting reports rate him as a decent defensive catcher. Without much pop in the bat and going on 28, Johnson probably can not hold down a backup catching gig but he is worth a look as a third catcher in AAA until September call ups. Johnson is a good catching insurance policy specifically for teams that value plate discipline.
•Eric Hilijus has averaged nearly a strikeout per inning in the majors with a 2.3 K/BB ratio. Hilly’s major issue has been serving up the deep flies – 18 in 111 MLB innings. E.H. is no spring chicken at 31, but guys with good K and BB rates have the potential for success in the right situation. E.H. is worth a minor league deal. E.H. pitching in the spacious new Tiger Stadium would be a good fit.
Freely Available Talent (FAT) is not exactly free. In the SABR world, my understanding of the term is acquiring a player without giving up any player or much cash in return. FAT can come in different ways like the Rule V draft, the waiver wire, and minor league free agents. Aaron Gleeman describes the subject and lists 2003's successful minor league free agents and his picks for next season. I like Aaron's choices and here are my own (Aaron names two of the four, but I'll comment on them):
•Willie Banks is a mop-up pitcher that saves your more valuable arms in the pen when the game is out of hand. He gives the club a better chance of winning tomorrow. On pitching staffs that go eleven and sometimes twelve deep, a club can give Willie Banks a spot.
•Tsuyoshi Shinjo can't hit for a lick but the man is a top defensive player in the outfield and can take a base. Shinjo has some value as a fifth outfielder/backup centerfielder either on the 25-man or waiting in AAA. A contending team could use Shinjo as an insurance policy for center. As a September callup, Shinjo could be a defensive and pinch running replacement. A rebuilding team, especially one with a huge outfield, might want to carry Shinjo for his glove. Nothing helps a pitcher's confidence more than a good defense behind him – Detroit.
•Mark Johnson is a catcher, patient left-handed hitter and mentioned in Moneyball. Scouting reports rate him as a decent defensive catcher. Without much pop in the bat and going on 28, Johnson probably can not hold down a backup catching gig but he is worth a look as a third catcher in AAA until September call ups. Johnson is a good catching insurance policy specifically for teams that value plate discipline.
•Eric Hilijus has averaged nearly a strikeout per inning in the majors with a 2.3 K/BB ratio. Hilly’s major issue has been serving up the deep flies – 18 in 111 MLB innings. E.H. is no spring chicken at 31, but guys with good K and BB rates have the potential for success in the right situation. E.H. is worth a minor league deal. E.H. pitching in the spacious new Tiger Stadium would be a good fit.
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