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Spinal Stenosis

Edgy MD May 23 2015 05:36 PM

Diagnosis on David Wright. A narrowing of the spinal column. So says Anthony DiComo. It's a serious but treatable condition, but it's what forced Lenny Dykstra from the game at 35 (as opposed to chronic gambling and rampant drug and alcohol abuse).

Edgy MD May 23 2015 05:41 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Ashie62 May 23 2015 06:24 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Add this condition to a prior broken back. The guy is a warrior. Hoping he can avoid surgery.

Ceetar May 23 2015 07:53 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Edgy MD wrote: Dianosis on David Wright. A narrowing of the spinal column. So says Anthony DiComo. It's a serious but treatable condition, but it's what forced Lenny Dykstra from the game at 35 (as opposed to chronic gambling and rampant drug and alcohol abuse). medically, 20 years ago is a long time. Seems like there are various degrees to this and it's impossible to know how bad it is at this stage.

d'Kong76 May 23 2015 08:14 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

He'll be back good as new after the all-star break.

dgwphotography May 24 2015 03:02 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

d'Kong76 wrote: He'll be back good as new after the all-star break.

Lefty Specialist May 24 2015 05:15 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Dillon Gee for a serviceable third baseman. Do it, Omar. David Wright's injuries are like Russian nesting dolls. First it's the hammy, then a sore back, then spinal stenosis. Can't wait to see what the next doll is.

Edgy MD May 24 2015 05:19 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

I'm strangely thinking of Zach Lutz. He seemingly spent 2 1/2 years as Wright's insurance policy, and that coincided with an island of healthy in the sea of Wright's career. He gives up and takes off for Asia, and Wright has scarcely been 100% since.

Benjamin Grimm May 24 2015 05:21 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

How about Flores to third, Reynolds to short?

TransMonk May 24 2015 05:38 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Benjamin Grimm wrote: How about Flores to third, Reynolds to short? This was my first thought. We have an infield full of thirdbasemen...why not try to find options at SS?

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 24 2015 05:43 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Josh was talking about the possibility of trading for a guy like Ben Zobrist. He's rehabbing a knee now but might come at the right price.

Edgy MD May 24 2015 01:24 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

But man, bringing in another damaged guy seems to be leaving too much to hope.

Gwreck May 24 2015 01:36 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

As opposed to hoping that internal options will start becoming productive? That seems to me to also be leaving too much to hope.

Edgy MD May 24 2015 01:46 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

I don't think that represents the full range of choices.

Gwreck May 24 2015 02:13 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

I didn't see anyone suggest that it did. I also see as options: acquire healthy outside talent; promoting from within and giving player(s) in the long-term plans some major-league experience; and of course, complacency/acceptance of the current talent level.

Edgy MD May 24 2015 02:23 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Well, if you didn't mean to suggest an either/or choice exists, you didn't. It read that way to me.

Ashie62 May 24 2015 05:47 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Casey McGehee for now.

Edgy MD May 24 2015 06:28 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

McGehee DFA'd? That's an alternative, if they eat some o' that.

Frayed Knot May 24 2015 06:40 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

McGehee in 2015: 110 ABs, 22 Hits, 24 Ks, [u:15upfd8d]12 GiDP[/u:15upfd8d] That's nearly 1/4 of his ABs that don't result in contract and right about 1 in every 7 contacts that results in a DP ... he'll fit right in!

Edgy MD May 24 2015 06:48 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Sure, he's been terrible. That's why he's DFA'd. But the question is whether he's worth a chance (and the money, of course) to see if he can outplay Campbell. I don't know. But I'd guess it's an open question I always thought the guy was a meathead myself. John Buck without the catcher's gear. But circumstances being what they are certainly urges me to keep an open mind.

Ashie62 May 24 2015 07:41 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Casey is a temporary fix, and convenient.

Edgy MD May 24 2015 07:50 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Yeah, I was thinking of him on the Rick Ankiel plan. Easy come, easy go, during a roster pinch. That is, of course, assuming he is, in fact, easy come.

TransMonk May 24 2015 08:03 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

During his time in Milwaukee he was a fan favorite for being a "gamer". He had a good year last season in Miami, but has been up and down offensively over his career. I'm guessing the sticking point would be salary as he's due the remainder of a $4.8M salary for 2015...that seems a little rich for Sandy's blood, even if David needs to miss a major amount of time. His poor showing so far this season makes it riskier. It should be interesting to see if he clears waivers. I'm not sure off the top of my head who may be interested at that price.

Ceetar May 24 2015 08:43 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

McGheee? I wouldn't pay him a dime. I worry about Rick Ankiel types. You bring a guy in and you're almost committing to at least trying him a bunch. Ankiel helped us lose games, I have little doubt this guy would too. intrigued by the Zobrist bit though, since you could always move him to SS, or elsewhere, as guys get healthy. What would it take? might be Matz right?

Ashie62 May 24 2015 10:48 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

I like the Zobrist idea, I'm not sure Tampa Bay would. Can't hurt to ask. McGehee was an all-star recently. He couldn't possibly cost much. Gotta do something to replace David, right?

Frayed Knot May 25 2015 05:39 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

intrigued by the Zobrist bit though, since you could always move him to SS, or elsewhere, as guys get healthy. What would it take? might be Matz right? I like the Zobrist idea, I'm not sure Tampa Bay would. Can't hurt to ask. Anyone who trades Matz for Ben Zobrist should be horsewhipped on the spot. Look, Zobrist has been a nice player, one known primarily for his versatility (enhanced by Joe Maddon's willingness to use him as such) as he not only played at but started games at every position except P & C over his now 10 year career. But he's also a 34 y/o (or will be as of tomorrow to be exact) dealing with a knee injury whose only truly top-notch offensive year was back in 2009. That doesn't mean he shouldn't be looked at, but at this point he's essentially a super-utility guy who you'd be getting for (at best) 100+ games. I know things have been rough here lately but let's not start looking at outside help as knights in shining armor riding in to save us. btw, Zobrist is in Oakland these days as Tampa dealt him over the winter along with Yunel Escobar (a real SS) for the immortal John Jaso plus two (not highly rated) minor leaguers in A-ball.

Ceetar May 25 2015 07:01 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

I'm not suggesting the Mets should necessarily deal Matz, i'm just theorizing on the price for an above average hitter for a long time who can play many positions and it's still May. Obviously it depends on Billy Beane too. Maybe Matz is too close to the majors, but it's probably right around what the As ask for.

Edgy MD May 25 2015 07:12 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Then later, gator. The Mets have two super utility men in Murphy and Flores. They're not as dear as all that.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 25 2015 07:36 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Zobrist is with Oakland, not TB. Considering their prospects this season a 34 year old guy isn't vital for them.

Frayed Knot May 25 2015 07:43 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Ceetar wrote: I'm not suggesting the Mets should necessarily deal Matz, i'm just theorizing on the price for an above average hitter for a long time who can play many positions and it's still May. Obviously it depends on Billy Beane too. Maybe Matz is too close to the majors, but it's probably right around what the As ask for. And what they'd promptly get hung up on for. Again, Zobrist was just traded and it was with a legit ML SS and what Tampa got back was a 30 y/o part-time Catcher/DH plus Oakland's recent (2012) 20th & 34th round drafts picks* neither of whom had passed A-ball. And that was all before Zobrist tore his knee and when he still had a full season left as opposed to < 3/4 of one. He's essentially a more versatile version of Murphy right down to them both being short-term rentals and that neither one of them is bringing back an almost ripe, top ten LHP prospect cuz, if they could, they would have been traded last week along with whatever else the trading team wanted. * one of which is oddly named Boog Powell. Now how does a kid named Herschel born in California in the '90s acquire the nickname 'Boog', especially one that's listed at all of 5' 10" - 185? If I were the original Boog I'd sue.

Ceetar May 25 2015 08:32 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Tampa, presumably was salary dumping though. Is Oakland after the same thing? Or perhaps because they gave up so little they'd be less stingy about getting more? Murphy can't play SS and (well, perhaps Flores can't either) Flores can't get on base. Zobrist is better, and fits the profile of a guy that you wouldn't necessarily have to bench if/when Wright comes back. and even if Wright were only out for the year, he's a one-year guy that you don't need to keep next year. I mean, Wright is irreplaceable. You're not replacing his production in one guy. So any best case scenario includes him returning, so it makes sense to make a move that factors that possiblity in. Someone that can play elsewhere. Zobrist fits the bill. There are surely other guys, but at least Zobrist is pretty good over a long stretch. OPS+ of at least 112 every year but one going back to 2008. Has played some SS going back to last year (and it's not like we'd be replacing a gold glover there, he won't be worse than Flores) And this was what, his first DL stint? He played at least 146 games each of the last 6 years. Yes, clearly give him a physical, and yes he's older so maybe don't sign him long term, but he's an above average quality player and the Mets sorely need that. Would rather gamble on his health than gamble on someone else (particularly a mostly sucky guy like McGehee) having a good second half.

Edgy MD May 25 2015 05:07 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

You're right. Get Matz a plane ticket.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 25 2015 06:29 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

It would seem pretty ridiculous to trade Matz for Zobrist, particularly when he might not be worth a lot more than Gee.

Benjamin Grimm May 25 2015 07:10 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

I agree. The trade is an absurd idea. If they're going to trade Matz, they should settle for no less than someone like Victor Zambrano.

Nymr83 May 25 2015 07:22 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I agree. The trade is an absurd idea. If they're going to trade Matz, they should settle for no less than someone like Victor Zambrano. This was EXACTLY what came to mind when I saw the idea of trading a top prospect for a guy like Zobrist. I would call Reynolds up and see what happens.

Ceetar May 25 2015 07:26 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: It would seem pretty ridiculous to trade Matz for Zobrist, particularly when he might not be worth a lot more than Gee. Matz or Zobrist?

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 25 2015 07:38 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Do you get paid by the reply? Zobrist you maniac.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 25 2015 08:05 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Tampa Bay may feel iffy about Zobrist's moves from here on out, but only in a keeping-creepy-tabs-on-your-ex way; he's an Athletic. Also, the A's traded for him this offseason, and it isn't yet June; Beane isn't dealing him as yet without a massive overpay involved.

Edgy MD May 25 2015 08:11 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Then throw in Nimmo. This is BEN ZOBRIST we're talking about.

Edgy MD May 25 2015 08:24 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

The funny thing is that the Mets don't really need a versatile guy. They have enough infield/outfield versatility at is, that they could stand to add a guy (presumably the best available guy) who plays virtually any position, save first or catcher. And if there's a setback for d'Arnaud, they could stand to add a catcher also.

Edgy MD May 26 2015 04:52 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

The Braves scratched Alberto Callaspo from the lineup last night, leading to reports that a trade was imminent. He's had a 10-year career, and has rarely been any good during it. If they're just trying to get something/anything for Nieuwenhuis, well, he's cheaper than McGehee, but still more expensive than Nieuwenhuis.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 26 2015 05:03 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

switch hits, can play second and third. Hmmmm

Centerfield May 26 2015 07:30 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Getting back to Wright for a second, Sandy's latest comments suggest he may be back sooner than expected. Will see a specialist in California and will know more in a few days. I am encouraged by his comment: “None of the doctors at this point have given us any indication this is a long-term problem that can’t be managed.” Of course, this is classic Sandy-speak, in that presumably none of the doctors have given any indication that this is a short term problem that can be managed.

Benjamin Grimm May 26 2015 07:38 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

I think the ship has sailed on "sooner than expected." Back when this was just a hamstring, weren't we thinking he'd be back by early May?

dgwphotography May 26 2015 07:45 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Centerfield wrote: Getting back to Wright for a second, Sandy's latest comments suggest he may be back sooner than expected. Will see a specialist in California and will know more in a few days. I am encouraged by his comment: “None of the doctors at this point have given us any indication this is a long-term problem that can’t be managed.” Of course, this is classic Sandy-speak, in that presumably none of the doctors have given any indication that this is a short term problem that can be managed. They've lied to us too often. their won't be a next time I believe anything this front office has to say regarding injuries, or anything actually.

Ceetar May 26 2015 08:05 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Centerfield wrote: Getting back to Wright for a second, Sandy's latest comments suggest he may be back sooner than expected. Will see a specialist in California and will know more in a few days. I am encouraged by his comment: “None of the doctors at this point have given us any indication this is a long-term problem that can’t be managed.” Of course, this is classic Sandy-speak, in that presumably none of the doctors have given any indication that this is a short term problem that can be managed. This is the only answer he would give in public. So either he's going to be fine or he's trying to make other GMs think he's not desperate for a quality bat that can play 3B.

seawolf17 May 26 2015 08:07 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

What the hell is wrong with you people? A 34-year-old Ben Fucking Zobrist coming off the DL is NOT the answer, unless Oakland's eating money, and they're not. Especially not for Matz. Crikey.

Benjamin Grimm May 26 2015 08:15 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

"You people" is a bit too broad. There's only one person here who seems to think it's a good idea.

Ceetar May 26 2015 08:18 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Benjamin Grimm wrote: "You people" is a bit too broad. There's only one person here who seems to think it's a good idea. I don't see even one. Well, unless you count Billy Beane, but I don't think he's here.

Centerfield May 26 2015 08:55 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I think the ship has sailed on "sooner than expected." Back when this was just a hamstring, weren't we thinking he'd be back by early May? I think Sandy was just suggesting that after the trip to California, he may not need a long-term solution at third. I don't know. The Newsday article was somewhat encouraging: http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/ ... 1.10472440

Centerfield May 26 2015 09:00 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

And for what it's worth, fuck Ben Zobrist. Call up Reynolds. If it's a few weeks, play him at third base. If Wright it out an extended period of time, play Reynolds at SS and Flores at third. When Dilson Herrera gets healthy sit anyone that isn't hitting and re-align as necessary.

Edgy MD May 26 2015 10:14 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Edgy MD wrote: The Braves scratched Alberto Callaspo from the lineup last night, leading to reports that a trade was imminent. He's had a 10-year career, and has rarely been any good during it. If they're just trying to get something/anything for Nieuwenhuis, well, he's cheaper than McGehee, but still more expensive than Nieuwenhuis. Reports now have the Braves potentially sending Collaspo to the Dodgers for Juan Uribe. Or more specifically, Uribe and a minor leaguer for Callaspo and three minor leaguers.

Benjamin Grimm May 26 2015 10:16 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

I don't think the Mets need anyone whose name sounds so much like "collapse."

Edgy MD May 26 2015 10:30 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Or, alternatively, a guy whose name sounds like "One RBI."

Nymr83 May 26 2015 10:37 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Centerfield wrote: And for what it's worth, fuck Ben Zobrist. Call up Reynolds. If it's a few weeks, play him at third base. If Wright it out an extended period of time, play Reynolds at SS and Flores at third. When Dilson Herrera gets healthy sit anyone that isn't hitting and re-align as necessary. Bang. A Plan.

Ceetar May 26 2015 10:38 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Nymr83 wrote: Centerfield wrote: And for what it's worth, fuck Ben Zobrist. Call up Reynolds. If it's a few weeks, play him at third base. If Wright it out an extended period of time, play Reynolds at SS and Flores at third. When Dilson Herrera gets healthy sit anyone that isn't hitting and re-align as necessary. Bang. A Plan. Ahh, the glorious "Let's just play the guys we have and hope they're good/get better" plan.

dgwphotography May 26 2015 10:40 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Centerfield wrote: And for what it's worth, fuck Ben Zobrist. Call up Reynolds. If it's a few weeks, play him at third base. If Wright it out an extended period of time, play Reynolds at SS and Flores at third. When Dilson Herrera gets healthy sit anyone that isn't hitting and re-align as necessary. Sure - make sense. See if we care...

Edgy MD May 26 2015 10:43 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Ceetar wrote: Ahh, the glorious "Let's just play the guys we have and hope they're good/get better" plan. Guys DO get better. And it's not just a matter of hope. It's a matter of work. It's a matter of a philosophy that folks are on board with. It's a matter of the right personnel. It's a matter of investing in youth. It's a matter of major and minor league track records. It's a matter of intelligently experimenting with combinations. It's a matter of rehabilitation and having information about your players that other people don't have.

dgwphotography May 26 2015 10:47 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

dgwphotography wrote: Centerfield wrote: And for what it's worth, fuck Ben Zobrist. Call up Reynolds. If it's a few weeks, play him at third base. If Wright it out an extended period of time, play Reynolds at SS and Flores at third. When Dilson Herrera gets healthy sit anyone that isn't hitting and re-align as necessary. Sure - make sense. See if we care... Everyone is too quick to make a trade involving one of our young pitchers. Unless we can bring back a hitter like Mike Trout or Giancarlo Stanton (I know, I know), There isn't much worth trading for, and I don't think we should overpay for the crap that is available.

Ceetar May 26 2015 10:59 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Edgy MD wrote: Ceetar wrote: Ahh, the glorious "Let's just play the guys we have and hope they're good/get better" plan. Guys DO get better. And it's not just a matter of hope. It's a matter of work. It's a matter of a philosophy that folks are on board with. It's a matter of the right personnel. It's a matter of investing in youth. It's a matter of major and minor league track records. It's a matter of intelligently experimenting with combinations. It's a matter of rehabilitation and having information about your players that other people don't have. Yup, but we've got a hell of lot of gambles in that department, and no matter plans and information and 'work' the less major league experience they have the bigger the risk. The idea here is to reduce the risk and create more stable offense. Can the Mets afford that many growing pains? it doesn't seem like it.

Edgy MD May 26 2015 11:07 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Life is a gamble. There's no need to quote "work." It's an established term and the activities I'm describing meet the criteria. I disagree that less major league experience necessarily means a bigger risk.

Ceetar May 26 2015 11:12 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Edgy MD wrote: Life is a gamble. There's no need to quote "work." It's an established term and the activities I'm describing meet the criteria. I disagree that less major league experience necessarily means a bigger risk. well, you can disagree all you want, the statistics bare out the truth. The best way to know how a guy will hit in the majors is to see him hit in the majors. I'm quoting 'work' because A. I doubt guys aren't doing what they need to do, and B. no amount of work can replace a guy's talent ceiling. This is like Terry Collins saying "uh guys, maybe don't strike out so much?" like they're not trying to hit the damn baseball.

d'Kong76 May 26 2015 11:43 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

The repetitive stress of checking to see if there's a new IGT every half hour is aggravating my spinal stenosis!

Edgy MD May 26 2015 12:10 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

well, you can disagree all you want, the statistics bare out the truth. The best way to know how a guy will hit in the majors is to see him hit in the majors. What statistics would those be? Do they account for the cost in terms of money and talent of bringing in veteran players? Do they account for the fungibility of younger players being easier to move in and out of the lineup? Or the presence of secondary skills in younger players that have often faded in veteran talent? Do they account for the long term benefits beyond this year of developing younger players. Do they account for paying Bobby Bonilla beyond the expected lifetime of Fred and possibly Jeff Wilpon? Please, show me the statistics. I'm quoting 'work' because A. I doubt guys aren't doing what they need to do, and B. no amount of work can replace a guy's talent ceiling. This is like Terry Collins saying "uh guys, maybe don't strike out so much?" like they're not trying to hit the damn baseball. (A) Neither do I, but success comes when it comes, in fits and starts. (B) No, it's not like that all. Players improve all the time. Last year, it was: Hey, we pretty much know what Lucas Duda is. It's been over three years now. He worked hard, and well, he had a breakthrough. He seems to be having another one this year. If you are mystically privy to Dilson Herrera's talent ceiling — or Muno's, or d'Arnaud's, or Flores', or Lagares' — please tell me now. #BrilliantManagement #YaGottaBelieve #YaGottaHaveFaithUhFaithUhFaithUHHH

Ceetar May 26 2015 12:29 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

I don't know about you but I've known Lucas Duda has been good for years and am not surprised. Maybe a little surprised by the actually lefty success (as opposed to just not sucking against them) this year, but that's about it. Duda's actually a good example. I said to someone near the end of 2011 that I'd rather gamble on Lucas Duda hitting than Domonic Brown. Brown was Baseball America's #4 prospect coming into that season. He destroyed the minors. Lucas Duda is, and was, better than him. The majors are tough. I'm not pissing away a playoff shot by giving Matt Reynolds or Herrera 200 AB to hang themselves or find themselves. And certainly not both at the same time combined with playing Flores and Plawecki.

Edgy MD May 26 2015 12:35 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Ceetar wrote: I don't know about you but I've known Lucas Duda has been good for years and am not surprised. I'm not surprised. That's more or less a big part of my point. Will these conclusive statistics be forthcoming?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 26 2015 01:04 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Yeah, yeah, yeah, play the younguns. We're looking for an offensively-minded plug-in, though, right? Just sayin': Reynolds: .286/.350/.423, 19 XBH (16 2B) in 197 PAs; 7 SB/3 CS (.283/.351/.397 over his minors career). OF/3B Alex Castellanos: .285/.373/.634, 24 XBH (9 HR!) in 142 PAs; 3 SB/0 CS (.286/.361/.499, minors). OE: Hey, great minds!

Ceetar May 26 2015 01:49 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Edgy MD wrote: Ceetar wrote: I don't know about you but I've known Lucas Duda has been good for years and am not surprised. I'm not surprised. That's more or less a big part of my point. Will these conclusive statistics be forthcoming? no, you know where the stats pages are. Go look up 10 prospects last full season in the minors and see how the first full majors season compares, then look up 10 established players one year versus the next and see which correlates more.

Edgy MD May 26 2015 01:56 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

I see. It's my job to research your claim. Got it.

Ceetar May 26 2015 02:10 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Edgy MD wrote: I see. It's my job to research your claim. Got it. it's certainly not my job to educate you. if you're going to call my point false, one that seems pretty well established to me, then give me some facts. truthfully 10 anecdotal examples won't quite do it anyway. I mean, here's a quick and dirty query. last year Rookies hit for a wRC+ of 80 compared to the league average 96. Hell, league SS had an 87 wRC+. Chances are a callup isn't even going to hit as well as your average major league SS.

Ashie62 May 26 2015 06:33 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Can we wait to see if David is finished. He deserves that much.

Edgy MD May 26 2015 06:34 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Ceetar wrote: it's certainly not my job to educate you. Sheesh, you can be a real snotty guy, you know that? I'll put my education up against anybody's. You made a claim. I respectfully disagreed, and then you got all opinion-stated-as-fact with "well, you can disagree all you want, the statistics bare out the truth." If you don't understand that puts the burden of proof on you, I don't know what to tell you. I often don't know what to tell you. Either you can back up this contemptuous claim or you can't.

Centerfield May 26 2015 09:30 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

He cannot. I stopped arguing with him last winter when he refused to acknowledge that having the ability to spend more on payroll is an advantage for a team.

Ceetar May 27 2015 07:49 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Centerfield wrote: He cannot. I stopped arguing with him last winter when he refused to acknowledge that having the ability to spend more on payroll is an advantage for a team. I only argue to pass the time. I used to debate but you guys rarely respond with facts or logic so it never works.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 27 2015 08:09 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Ceetar wrote: Centerfield wrote: He cannot. I stopped arguing with him last winter when he refused to acknowledge that having the ability to spend more on payroll is an advantage for a team. I only argue to pass the time. I used to debate but you guys rarely respond with facts or logic so it never works.

Vic Sage May 27 2015 08:19 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Ceetar wrote: Centerfield wrote: He cannot. I stopped arguing with him last winter when he refused to acknowledge that having the ability to spend more on payroll is an advantage for a team. I only argue to pass the time. I used to debate but you guys rarely respond with facts or logic so it never works. THIS!!

metsmarathon May 27 2015 08:33 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

baseball is a race to see how soon a player begins to get worse at baseball. young players sometimes get worse as soon as they make the jump to the majors, other times they get better first. old players are almost always already getting worse. young players get better all the time, and on average, continue getting better until their late 20s, at which point they typically plateau, and then decline. old players just keep on getting worse. the best way to guarantee that a player will perform better than the year before is to get one in the midst of his 20s. the best way to guarantee that a player will perform worse than the year before is to get one in the midst of his 30s. Do you think another team would trade us the equivalent of a matz for cuddyer, or murphy? because that's about the offensive level of production you'd get with zobrist. (and if so, lets make THAT fucking move instead!) i get that you want to go all-in on the season. and that's great. let's go all in. what you're proposing is, at best, a kazmir for zambrano trade, only if zambrano was 4 years older.

Ceetar May 27 2015 08:36 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

I'm still not sure who's proposing this.

Benjamin Grimm May 27 2015 09:46 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Josh was talking about the possibility of trading for a guy like Ben Zobrist. He's rehabbing a knee now but might come at the right price. Ceetar wrote: intrigued by the Zobrist bit though, since you could always move him to SS, or elsewhere, as guys get healthy. What would it take? might be Matz right?

d'Kong76 May 27 2015 09:54 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Frayed Knot wrote: Anyone who trades Matz for Ben Zobrist should be horsewhipped on the spot.

d'Kong76 May 27 2015 09:54 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

d'Kong76 wrote: This is fun!

Ceetar May 27 2015 10:00 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Benjamin Grimm wrote: John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Josh was talking about the possibility of trading for a guy like Ben Zobrist. He's rehabbing a knee now but might come at the right price. Ceetar wrote: intrigued by the Zobrist bit though, since you could always move him to SS, or elsewhere, as guys get healthy. What would it take? might be Matz right? Yes, so I proposed that Billy Beane might want to trade Zobrist for Matz. But it's only partly up to him.

seawolf17 May 27 2015 10:19 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Okay. So we're all in agreement that the combination of "Ben Zobrist, Met" and "Steve Matz, A" sucks. Can we get back to panicking about our franchise third baseman please?

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 27 2015 10:37 AM Re: Spinal Stenosis

That's what sorta sparked the whole thing. I think the fact that a) Wright's return date more unpredictable than ever b) Hererra's injury and slow start indicates rehab + minors assignment likely c) Campbell has been terrible up here d) Reynolds has been only okay in AAA where several better-hitting teammates have made the jump and struggled. Would suggest the time has come to look for a stopgap that might be something of a known quantity, vs. just getting by for a few weeks with a Campbellish player one the one hand or making a costly blockbuster for Tulowitzski trade on the other which is why the Zobrist, Callaspo, types could get an eyeball now. You get these guys because they won't cost you Steve Matz.

Centerfield May 28 2015 08:43 PM Re: Spinal Stenosis

Well did he see him? What did Dr. Watkins say? Are the exercises working? Come on beat reporters!!