Hey, he's got a good point..

by mato on Jan 31, 2006 1:11 PM PST

Rob Neyer's take on the newest addition to the chip n dales clubhouse..

Maybe somebody can explain Mike Piazza and the Padres to me. At one time, Piazza was a premier hitter, both for power and average. From 1993 through 2001, Piazza batted .326 and averaged 34 home runs per season. Now, though, about all that's left is the power. So the Padres, who play in the only ballpark that's tougher on power hitters than Shea Stadium, think Piazza will help them? Just as weird: Piazza supposedly will catch 90-100 games ... even though he can't throw, and that big ballpark is well-suited to the running game? All things considered, I think I'd rather give the regular job behind the plate to Doug Mirabelli.

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Neyer has a point

However here's what I think the Padres are thinking...

Piazza's power stroke will turn out to be something like Milton Bradley or Miguel Cabrera's power stroke. There are guys who will pull the ball into left field and that sucker will travel. Piazza may be one of those guys.
Piazza's a very marketable guy. Much more so than Doug Mirabelli and the Padres are a little lacking in star power.
Piazza will provide leadership in the clubhouse, or at the very least be able to act as a mentor for the younger pitchers and/or Kottaras when he inevitably gets called up midway through the season.

I think this is definitely one of those signings where the benefits aren't going to be reflected by the statistics.

by Dex on Jan 31, 2006 2:30 PM PST 0 recs

good point

Marketable yes, good point. You've been listening in class I see.

If the power stroke remains he'll be worth the pickup. With the ability of guys like Giles and Klesko to get on base via walks, he should be able to drive in 100 this year. Granted he stays healthy and guys like Cameron, Castilla, and Greene have productive years.

by mato on Jan 31, 2006 6:47 PM PST 0 recs

Exactly.

The Padres should make up the $2 million in seats sold, and jersey's alone. Or darn close to it.

Also, it's about effin' time we get a hitter who is right handed and pulls the ball. Piazza will hit the ball to the right part of the field, as well witnessed by any of his hit charts.

He may have a noodle arm, but we also have a defensive late inning backup on the team.

I see a lot of big name writers questioning this move, but I just don't see the harm in the money given to Piazza, with everything weighed into the equation.

by Emcee Emmerson on Jan 31, 2006 7:27 PM PST 0 recs