The Alomar Spring Training Award

by David Bloom on Mar 15, 2007 7:04 PM EDT

We have heard about how hot spring training numbers don't really translate to successful regular season numbers. We can pull Ty Wiggington's numbers from his final year on the Pirates for good measure. I brought up the case of Brandon Webb from last year as he had a decent Spring and he turned that into a Cy Young. But, one category we have not explored is the case of the one time great player who see's their skill as non-existent in spring training. Perfect example is Robby Alomar two years ago with the Rays. This led to the emergence of Jorge Cantu. I throw it out there now. Give me some examples of some players who are going out for the final count and the hot young player who will get their chance.

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Re: The Alomar Spring Training Award

Well I wouldn't call Mark Grudzielanak a great player per say but he's hurt at the moment, and that has opened the door at second base for Esteban German.

He was a top 20 prospect back in 2000 and although his defense is suspect, his plate discipline is not. Last year in 396 AB, he compiled a .326 AVG, a .422 OBP and .456 SLG.

He's also extremely fast. Given a full season, he could easily swipe 30-40 bases.

East Coast bias exists.

by mybaseb1 on Mar 15, 2007 8:39 PM EDT reply actions

Re: The Alomar Spring Training Award

ahem, Ken Griffey Jr --> Josh Hamilton, anybody?

by das411 on Mar 16, 2007 2:07 AM EDT reply actions

Re: The Alomar Spring Training Award

Possibly, Rockies CF where Finley is getting beaten out by Taveras. Javy Lopez is the real thing wit he Rookie catcher Chris Iannetta doing his thing. Lastly, whats going on in Dodger Town with Mr Abreu, but he won't ever unseat Kent anytime soon.

DRAYS BAY

Baseball Happpenings

by David Bloom on Mar 16, 2007 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

Re: The Alomar Spring Training Award

Gotta wonder if Shawn Green is hearing Milledge's footsteps?

I didn't think the Rox really intended for Finley to win that job, but just serve as a backup / mentor to young OF's.

And while Josh Ham has looked good, I don't think the Reds will give up on Junior (isn't it time that nickname should be retired), though they could still move him to right once he's back from the latest injury. But Dunn's gonna play, and Freel is their only real candidate to lead off, so they need him out there and his IF spots are taken. Josh will likely stick, and get a good mount of PT, but I don't think he has a regular job sown up.

by nyyfaninlaaland on Mar 16, 2007 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions