[USML Announce] Bombers-Angries trade - Bombers respond

Tue May 30 12:13:20 EDT 2006

In a message dated 5/30/2006 11:43:27 A.M. Central Daylight Time,  
anrklein at iupui.edu writes:

Hey, Doug ... how  come you left Crisp off your list of ?names being thrown  
out?? 
Understand I?m  saluting (not criticizing) you.  You sold high in a big way 
with Swisher  and deserve credit.  Blocker should know better. 
Look behind home  plate about 20 rows up tonite.  I?ll be wearing an Indians?
 hat and  cheering on C.C. Sabathia!! 
-andy

Andy,

I understand why you're bitter, but you're dead wrong on this one.   Since 
when is Coco Crisp such a catch?  

Let's see - he's leading off for the Boston Red Sox - a team that doesn't  
steal bases.  Read Moneyball and you'll understand what Theo is thinking -  its 
related to the worship of on-base percentage and not giving up outs.   Bottom 
line is that Crisp is good for 20 stolen bases a season at best (his  career 
high was 20).  Strike one.  Crisp has never hit more than 16  home runs in a 
season and never knocked in more than 71.  Occupying the  leadoff spot doesn't 
bode well for ever improving on those numbers.  Strike  two.  Even playing for 
a good team like Cleveland, he never exceeded 86  runs scored.  Strike three.  
Those are not premier leadoff man  numbers.  A good keeper - sure.  A great 
keeper - no chance.

Now let's take a quick look at Nick Swisher.  21 home runs in his  rookie 
season.  15 home runs already this year and on pace for well more  than 30.  His 
OBP presently is .407 which is all-star territory and  consistent with his 
minor league numbers.  He's got 41 rbi's and 43 runs  already this year.  
AND.....he's just about to hit his peak years.   What's not to like?  You point to 
his rookie campaign and the poor  batting average.  But even in that year, his 
OBP was .322.  Not great  - but an indication that the skills are there.  
Within the next few years  he will be moved down to the 4th or 5th slot in the 
Oakland batting order and  given even more RBI opportunities.  This is a damn fine 
player and one that  certainly can hold his own in any comparison with Coco 
Crisp.  He wasn't a  Winick Pick for nothing.  Sure, he's not a monster talent 
like Joey  Gathright, but I'd love to have him on my team.

Say what you will (and I generally do), this was a good trade for PT.   I 
commend Mark for recognizing that this wasn't going to be his year and  starting 
to put the pieces together for a strong 2007.

Jeff Winick
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