Astros in the market for back up shortstop?
The Chronicle's J.J. Ortiz listed off-season priorities for the Astros' front office, and included a reserve shortstop. This makes sense. Loretta appears to be gone. Newhan doesn't play shortstop. Manzella hit poorly at Round Rock. Compounding the problem is the perceived need to give Tejada more rest. Left to his own devices, Tejada would try to be an iron man, but at his age, more down time may be necessary to keep him recharged. The pattern of Tejada's offensive performance last season (great start but declining greatly after that) gives some credence to the idea of keeping him fresh...or at least trying that tactic to see if it helps.
One thought which comes to mind--and this probably is unlikely---is Adam Everett. Would Everett be willing to play the back up role? At this point, I'm not aware of any teams that would be looking to make Everett their starting shortstop (unless the Twins bring him back). Everett's defense probably has diminished a tick, his offense hasn't improved, and he is subject to greater bouts with his back problems. All of which seem to point to a reserve role at this stage of his career. However, even if his defense has diminished from its previously high level, the range based defensive metrics still say he was one of the better defensive shortstops last year. Also, Everett by all accounts was a leader on the team, and perhaps could replace some of the leadership provided by Loretta.
As I said, probably unlikely, but it would be an interesting twist if it happened. Other very cheap possibilities which Wade might consider, include Tomas Perez or Danny Klassen. Both are older shortstops who played with Round Rock for a time last year. Perez was on the big league club for awhile, but I wasn't impressed. Klassen probably is more of an offensive shortstop, and has posted good power numbers at Round Rock from time to time, making me wonder what he would do if he was put on a major league roster. But at this point, his major league chances probably have passed. Or the Astros could use Eric Bruntlett...whoops, he was traded...and last seen in the World Series.
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backup SS?
What about a starting shortstop. I’m a fan of Tejada and think he brings a lot to this team in terms of energy but he’s not worth $13 million. If we could trade him just for a salary dump then sign Felipe Lopez at short we could have money to sign a FA pitcher or 2.
I don’t think Lopez is great but he’s average and would cost significantly less. Of course we could also just give Drew Sutton a shot at SS but if he falls on his face (a la Towles) where do we go from there. I think the Astros should do whatever they can to bring Starting Pitching in b/c that’s what wins. If that means Wade has to get creative and unload salary, then do it.
If we have to keep Tejada I don’t think that will be bad it just means we might have to accept a rotation of Oswalt/Wolf/Wandy/Hampton/Moehler which I don’t think can compete with the Cubs.
by Rhombus67 on
Nov 11, 2008 10:57 AM CST
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How about making a move for Joel Guzman. He is a minor league free agent and he can play 3rd and was a SS for a while. He has a lot of POP in his bat and maybe Tejada could show him some pointers.
by wadero on
Nov 11, 2008 11:58 AM CST
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a back up
with more versatility than Everett would be nice, and I don’t just mean a guy that will play other positions. You’d like somebody that you can at least run out from time to time and give you a productive at-bat off the bench. I’d prefer to sacrifice a little bit of defense like you do with a guy like Loretta to get a guy (like Loretta) that you can count on from time to time to get you a pinch hit.
by littlevisigoth on
Nov 11, 2008 2:56 PM CST
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I'm not trading anything for a backup short stop
and I’m not going to go out looking for one either through FA. I’d rather have a guy who can play multle positions as my back up, not a guy like Everett who is a SS only.
Throw Blum in there… it’s not going to be that many games(assuming Tejada doesn’t get hurt)…
Blum played 3-4 games there last season and didn’t make an error.. yea, I realize his range isn’t all that fantastic, but it’s going to be in a limited role and we can deal with it…
Go 'Stros!
by Stros Bro on
Nov 11, 2008 4:36 PM CST
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Interesting responses....
First of all, I have no doubt that Everett can back up 2d base, too, if needed. Generally, a good shortstop can play 2d base, though not the other way around. David Eckstein didn’t have any difficulty playing 2d base from time to time, last year, even though he had always been a shortstop. (Eckstein is another back up possibility, but I think he may be too expensive, i.e., similar price range to Loretta.)
Second, I’m not excited about Lopez playing very much shortstop. When the Cardinals traded for him last year, they ended up using him at 2d base and outfield. He is a poor defensive shortstop.
Third, I don’t know much about Joel Guzman. Is he a Rule 5 possibility? I don’t know his status with Tampa Bay. He isn’t on the 40 man roster, but is he still under their control? He is young and his stats aren’t bad. But if you have to trade for him, I don’t see it happening. I mean, what would the Astros have to give up for him. It’s good to see someone with an interesting idea, though.
Fourth, my initial reaction to the idea of using Sutton was negative because he is primarily a 2d baseman. But I noticed that he has played a few games at shortstop in the Arizona Fall League. I am skeptical that his defense is good enough to be a back up for shortstop, but then again, I haven’t seen him play shortstop. So, maybe, it isn’t out of the question.
Fifth, yes, Blum could be the back up for shortstop. But I think that only works if Tejada doesn’t get many days off. Cooper has said that he plans to give Tejada more rest next year.
by clack on
Nov 11, 2008 4:53 PM CST
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Tomas Perez
He was playing 3B for the Lara Cardinals in Venezuela but took over at SS as Alcides Escobar hasn’t been hitting.
I don’t know how well that league compares but he is hitting pretty well there and seems to be a bit of celebrity.
Can you overcome seeing him in a Cardinals uni?
by ol Pete on
Nov 11, 2008 8:30 PM CST
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Joel Guzman
We would not have to trade for Guzman he is a minor league free agent. So I think we can just make an offer for him. Here is some interesting stats on Guzman.
Prospect Rankings*
2002 – 3rd ranked organizational prospect for Los Angeles Dodgers
2003 – 9th ranked organizational prospect for Los Angeles Dodgers
2005 – 5th ranked Major League prospect
2005 – 1st ranked organizational prospect for Los Angeles Dodgers
2006 – 26th ranked Major League prospect
2006 – 3rd ranked organizational prospect for Los Angeles Dodgers
2007 – 10th ranked organizational prospect for Tampa Bay Devil Rays
by wadero on
Nov 11, 2008 11:12 PM CST
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you're right...he is a minor league free agent.
I should have consulted the list lnked on my fan post entitled “minor league free agents.” Guzman is right there under Tampa Bay.
by clack on
Nov 11, 2008 11:34 PM CST
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hahaha
If he was 10th ranked with the Rays, he’s gotta be #1 with us.
The Crawfishboxes
A good friend of mine used to say, "This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains." Think about that for a while.
by DyingQuail on
Nov 12, 2008 10:05 PM CST
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Guzman
Here is a link on his stats last year in Durham. http://www.thebaseballcube.com/statistics/2008/10186.shtml
He is 23 and hit 20 HR last year for them!!
by wadero on
Nov 13, 2008 8:31 AM CST
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