Hinske, Gomes, Kaz

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 22, 2008 10:10 AM EDT

Joe Smith of the St. Pete Times produced a new article today, amongst those items discussed: Hinske's shot at making the team, Gomes playing center, and Kazmir still hasn't thrown off a mound.

Smith also has this piece on Floyd. Most of what you'd expect, but it's a bit surprising how candid the players are when talking about Cliff:

"We've been learning on our own the past six or seven years, the years I've been here," Crawford, 26, said. "It's been like, you bump your head real bad, and you have to learn from it. Now I'm glad I don't have to go through that anymore. We don't have to fall on our face anymore. We can get advice, and it'll save us from going through all the big trouble."

Also David Price left yesterday's start early with elbow stiffness. Apparently he's fine, but not good none the less.

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Re: Hinske, Gomes, Kaz

Pretty much Hinske is a younger Greg Norton... David Price just wanted to watch the Vandy game...

Viva Los RAYniacs!

by thebaddancingraysfan on Mar 22, 2008 12:47 PM EDT reply actions

Not to beat a drum or anything

But Hinske on drums > Hinske not on drums.

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 22, 2008 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: Hinske, Gomes, Kaz

Hinske is probably the best of the bunch, but that's not saying much. Unlike Pena last year, I just don't see a near-miraculous career year in his future or a Ty Wigginton productive season or even a Brendan Harris positive stop-gap.

I'm holding out hope the front office can pull off a smart deal or pickup before Opening Day.

by RATW on Mar 22, 2008 5:56 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Hinske, Gomes, Kaz

I said it earlier, I think all Hinske needs is AB's and time. He fell out of favor in Toronto and accepted a platoon role in Boston. I think if he can work and get his at bats, heck he is certainly younger than Norton, so I don't buy that comparison necessarily. He is a gritty guy, youthful and has a positive disposition.

Joe

by joedobr on Mar 23, 2008 7:54 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Hinske, Gomes, Kaz

I like Hinske also. There is no reason to expect a "near-miraculous" career year, nor any disappointment when we don't get it. First, those things rarely happen and second, he never had the prospect status or tools of Pena. All we need is for him to hit some doubles and double figures in home runs given 350-400 ABs, play adequately at the corners and get on base a reasonable % of his PAs. He is not expected (or needed) to become a star, just a useful platoon player and reserve. Those kinds of players are very important to a winning team, and I think he can serve in that capacity.

So long as he is not expected to become a regular, he need not even be as productive as Wigginton was to be a useful player for the Rays.

by bobr on Mar 23, 2008 9:59 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Hinske, Gomes, Kaz

I do not share your confidence that Hinske will be that productive platoon player/reserve the Rays need. His optimal role would be as a pinch-hitter or perhaps part-time DH, not 350-400 at-bat right fielder/utility man with adequate glove, limited range.

Maybe I'm overcompensating for a favorable bias toward him since I've followed him closely since 1996, but I think his days of being a productive contributor have passed. Perhaps I'm blowing the whistle a year or two too soon based mostly on how bad he looked last year and "gut" feel, but I fear we will see something along the lines of Greg Norton 2007 than Greg Norton 2006, exacerbated by him being in the field far more than Norton.

It looks like we shall see. I certainly hope I am wrong in my assessment.

by RATW on Mar 24, 2008 2:20 AM EDT reply actions

Re: Hinske, Gomes, Kaz

You may be right as to how he is used. While Gomes slugs lefties and has a hard time against righties, were he in a strict platoon he would likely get only about 1/3 of the PAs. The problem then is that he needs more regular work to stay sharp. So it is more likely that whoever relieves him in RF only does so occasionally.

If so, Hinske still remains a useful piece on the team. It is possible that last year bodes ill, but it is equally possible that he serves well now that he seems to have accepted a reduced role. As a pinch hitter and reserve he provides decent punch and decent OBP, and with the flexibility to play all 4 corners saves a roster spot as well. As long as we keep our expectations in check, we can appreciate his contributions. The problem with picking up a Pena or trading for Kazmir (if the word problem can be used in this context) is that it sets a high standard for all other deals as if we should regularly hit the jackpot that way. Sometimes, just acquiring a useful piece is reward enough.

by bobr on Mar 24, 2008 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Re: Hinske, Gomes, Kaz

No comparison between Hinske and Norton in RF.

by ttnorm on Mar 24, 2008 8:04 AM EDT reply actions

Re: Hinske, Gomes, Kaz

I don't think anyone expects another Kazmir deal.. possibly ever. Nor do most people expect Pena type production. Pena himself will be extremely hard-pressed to repeat last year ever again. Net positive production would be fine given the situation.

I just hope the Rays are keeping their options open and not settling for Hinske because I fear he will not meet the expectations of being a useful piece while, given the tone of the article linked in the original post, primarily playing a position which he's occupied less 10% of his major league career, a position for which George Hendrick gave the confidence-inspiring hasn't "done anything bad" quote to describe his spring training on the job learning. The coaches are depending on his bat to outweigh a loss on defense, as Maddon said he is "willing to accept something a little bit less defensively if we're going to get possibly a lot more offense" when speaking of Hinske platooning in right field. So here's hoping he hits and not the winner of a roster spot by default.

by RATW on Mar 24, 2008 1:09 PM EDT reply actions