Kotchman!!!

<jscully DeleteThis @bak.rr.com> wrote in message
news:1123468407.916108.193140@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> The answer is simple. Bench or DFA Steve Finley, move Erstad back to
> CF where his mediocre offense is masked by excellent defense and give
> Kotchman the full time gig at 1st base.
>
> It makes too much sense for Scioscia to actually do it.
>

While I agree with the Finley part of it, since he's just not snapping out
of his funk, moving Ersty to CF won't work-- everyone knows it'd be hammy
time again.
 >> Stay informed about: Kotchman!!! 

He runs the bases every day - he pushes his hammy all the time - just
not on defense.

Playing first base does not, most likely, keep his hammy healthier than
if he played CF. Last year, the hamstring injury occurred running the
bases, not shagging fly balls.

I stand by my idea -
 >> Stay informed about: Kotchman!!! 

There's a bit of a difference in how much haulin' ass he'd have to do per
game if he played cf as opposed to just when he gets on base. He'd be moving
on most balls to all fields, as well as backing up middle infield on those
hits. Talk to any orthopedic doc--sometimes that can set someone up for a
muscle tear at another point in the game where he's running the bases.
Funny how he's been fine since playing the 3 position.

And I stand by my thoughts, lol...



<jscully.DeleteThis@bak.rr.com> wrote in message
news:1123599244.390349.166490@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
> He runs the bases every day - he pushes his hammy all the time - just
> not on defense.
>
> Playing first base does not, most likely, keep his hammy healthier than
> if he played CF. Last year, the hamstring injury occurred running the
> bases, not shagging fly balls.
>
> I stand by my idea -
>
 >> Stay informed about: Kotchman!!! 

Erstad has been "fine" since moving to the "3" position? Really? Do
you have a memory? He blew out his hammy last May - that doesn't
constitute "fine".

Now, I don't disagree that he would have to run more playing CF, but I
seriously doubt that he would be put at more risk playing CF.

Secondly, his abysmal offense would be better tolerated in CF than at
1st base. If you can't ask your "team leader" and $8 million man to
take one for the team and go back to his natural position in a pennant
race, than I don't know who is running the asylum.

Lastly, moving Erstad to CF would have the great benefit of removing
Father Time (Steve Finley) form the lineup. That alone, should be
worth a win or two down the stretch.
 >> Stay informed about: Kotchman!!! 

As much as I would love to see Erstad back in center, I have given up
on the idea. It's not going to happen. At least not this year. And
probably not ever.

But, really, even he pulled the hamstring, so what? I would take that
risk. It is not as though he is a great asset offensively that we just
cannot afford to lose. So, let him play center for as long as he can.

But, like I said, I know it isn't going to happen. He's a first
baseman, and we are just stuck with it.
 >> Stay informed about: Kotchman!!! 

Matt -

I tend to think that you are right and Ersty will never patrol CF for
the Halos again. But, it is the best use of his vastly overpaid
corpse. At least in CF he can contribute defensively in a more
meaningful way.

Along the same vein - tonight Finley was chasing down the second Beltre
double in the 8th or 9th inning - I don't recall which - and didn't get
to it by about 5 feet. It bounced on the warning track just out of his
reach. Ersty or Figgy catch that ball and save a baserunner - Father
Time lets it drop and extends an inning.

Finley must go.

Now.
 >> Stay informed about: Kotchman!!! 

Well, his defense in 2002 was historically good. Even if he dropped
50% he would still be the best option on the team.

And he tweaked his hammy in May of 2004, not this year. He sure looks
healthy to me - and healthy enough to be moved to the OF.

As for the catostrophic injury. I wouldn't wise that on him, but I
wouldn't lose any sleep if it happened either.
 >> Stay informed about: Kotchman!!! 

jscully DeleteThis @bak.rr.com wrote:
> Well, his defense in 2002 was historically good. Even if he dropped
> 50% he would still be the best option on the team.

Exactly. The Angels starters--already among the best--would be just
that much better with Erstad out there. Without him, this is one bad
defensive outfield. OK, not bad. But not very good, either.

>
> And he tweaked his hammy in May of 2004, not this year. He sure looks
> healthy to me - and healthy enough to be moved to the OF.
>
> As for the catostrophic injury. I wouldn't wise that on him, but I
> wouldn't lose any sleep if it happened either.

My reaction when I read the remark you are responding to was similar. I
sure would not wish it on anyone, but pain is something baseball
players deal with all the time. If they can't cope with it, they would
not be professional baseball players. It is part of the game, and
sometimes it takes an injury to force a manager to do the right thing
for the team.

In the time between when I last posted in this thread and now, there
was actually talk of Erstad going to the outfield (though I assume
left, in order to keep might Steve Finley's bat in the lineup), while
Anderson DHs. But the other day Anderson played left, so I assume the
Erstad-to-the-ourfield rumors are dead again.
 >> Stay informed about: Kotchman!!!