Ryan Theriot

[paul253]

I know theoretically the Cubs wouldnt trade him to us as a divison rival, but Ryan Theriot is exactly what this club needs. He plays shortstop, which we don't need, but I'm sure he can handle second base. What about Theriot for Weeks and a prospect? For all the cubs have on offense, they don't have a whole lot of speed, and maybe could use a guy like Weeks. Theriot hits to the opposite field, doesnt strike out a whole lot, and doesnt worry about getting homeruns, something you cant really say about anyone on our current team. Bat him second, and either next year or in '10, you have Brantley leading off and Theriot batting second, two guys who get on base and really set the table for the Braun, Hart Hardys.

[Brian the Automator]

Why would the Cubs want to gamble on Rickie when they're definitely still trying to win now? Just for some speed? And would Theriot really be happy making a defensive downgrade as he gets closer to a payday? I guess to me, there are too many reasons for this not to happen.

[trwi7]

Ryan Theriot really isn't that good. His ISO is .055, he's batting .306 this year but his BABIP is .339. Last year it was a more normal .289 and he was pathetic last year, carrying only a .672 OPS. There's not much projection left with him either, he's going to be 29 in December.

[paul253]

I think that when talking about a player like Theriot looking at his OPS is misleading or irrelevant because he is not a power hitter and we wouldnt need him to be a power hitter. Over his career he strikes out about once every ten at bats, which would be greater than the vast majority of the hitters on our team. While we have Hardy, Hart, Braun and Fielder and maybe Cameron to hit homeruns next season, we dont have hardly anyone to work the count and consistantly hit to the opposite field and get on base for all those sluggers. Plus, even though hes going to be 29, he's only played in about 350 games, so its not a given that he wont improve anymore. The reason why I like him for our lineup is because he is the kind of hitter we dont have.....we dont need another homerun hitter who will strike out every 4 at bats and wont take a walk. This year he has more walks than strikeouts and last year he was about even.

[trwi7]

Plus, even though hes going to be 29, he's only played in about 350 games

He's in his prime and played in the minors where he was terrible. He's not getting any better. If we want to get a Cubs middle infielder I'd much rather go after Mike Fontenot. Left handed bat with some pretty good pop and a nice OBP.

[ILuvDaBush]

Also, the Riot is an institution to Wrigleyville-ers. Also, I know the plan on the North Side in the off-season seems to be to move the Riot to second and get a stud shortstop, because the Riot has a noodle. But honestly, can you imagine if Rickie finally flipped the switch, except it was for the Cubs? It could be worse than the Pirates feel for trading for Glenallen Hill.

[paul253]

Yeah, I realize its a pretty unlikely scenario....but he'd be nice to have. He reminds me of what Michael Brantley will hopefully be.

[piccione88]

I do not see enough upside with Theriot that would warrant us giving up enough to pry him away from chicago where he is a cult hero. I am not saying that he isnt a good player, but it would cost an arm and a leg for chicago to give him up.

[The Heartbreak Yid]

as a Cubs fans, while Ryan Theriot did silence his pre season critics for the most part who felt he had no buisness in the starting lineup for a contending team, hes not as untouchable as some would think. If I were to play GM for a moment, I wouldnt have much interest in Ricky Weeks, but would anyone out there feel a Ryan Theriot, Sean Marshall, and maybe a lower pitcher such as Mike Wuertz or Kevin Hart for JJ Hardy acceptable?

[Diskono]

I think that when talking about a player like Theriot looking at his OPS is misleading or irrelevant because he is not a power hitter and we wouldnt need him to be a power hitter. Over his career he strikes out about once every ten at bats, which would be greater than the vast majority of the hitters on our team. While we have Hardy, Hart, Braun and Fielder and maybe Cameron to hit homeruns next season, we dont have hardly anyone to work the count and consistantly hit to the opposite field and get on base for all those sluggers. Plus, even though hes going to be 29, he's only played in about 350 games, so its not a given that he wont improve anymore. The reason why I like him for our lineup is because he is the kind of hitter we dont have.....we dont need another homerun hitter who will strike out every 4 at bats and wont take a walk. This year he has more walks than strikeouts and last year he was about even.

So, pretty much Craig Counsell?

[fleehaw]

The Heartbreak Yid wrote:

If I were to play GM for a moment, I wouldnt have much interest in Ricky Weeks, but would anyone out there feel a Ryan Theriot, Sean Marshall, and maybe a lower pitcher such as Mike Wuertz or Kevin Hart for JJ Hardy acceptable?

No. The Brewers have left the receiving quantity for quality trades behind them. Case in point, the Sabathia deal.

[paul253]

So, pretty much Craig Counsell?

 

How can you compare Theriot to Counsell? Theriot is younger, had a much high batting average, had a higher on base percentage, a higher slugging percentage, a better K:AB ratio, and more stolen bases. They may be the same "type" of hitter, but Theriot is a far better player.

[The Heartbreak Yid]

So, pretty much Craig Counsell?

 

How can you compare Theriot to Counsell? Theriot is younger, had a much high batting average, had a higher on base percentage, a higher slugging percentage, a better K:AB ratio, and more stolen bases. They may be the same "type" of hitter, but Theriot is a far better player.

I didnt realise that Counsell was 38 years old. wow. Still hes one of those players out there whose stats are never remotely impressive, but everytime I turn around, they get a big hit.Maybe its just vs. the Cubs. Our pitching can never take care of those little scrappers.

[danzig6767]

Plus, even though hes going to be 29, he's only played in about 350 games

He's in his prime and played in the minors where he was terrible. He's not getting any better. If we want to get a Cubs middle infielder I'd much rather go after Mike Fontenot. Left handed bat with some pretty good pop and a nice OBP.

I agree, of the two for playing second, i'd much rather have Fontenot that Theriot

[jjfanec]

So, pretty much Craig Counsell?

 

How can you compare Theriot to Counsell? Theriot is younger, had a much high batting average, had a higher on base percentage, a higher slugging percentage, a better K:AB ratio, and more stolen bases. They may be the same "type" of hitter, but Theriot is a far better player.

Craig Counsel at the same age is a similar player with a little worse numbers. Counsel batted .316 (in 67 games), then .275 and .282 with OBP's of .400, .359, and .348. Then he dropped off considerably as he got older. Even though he started in the majors late his prime was still at 29, which is what can probably be expected from Theriot. Theriot had a good short season two years ago, then a really bad year a year ago and then a good year again this year. So, you can't say he is a far better player than Counsel based on one good full season. Counsell had three season at the same age better than Theriots number a year ago. Theriot actually compares to Brady Clark, with less home runs and a better K to BB ratio.

So the reality is you would be trading for a guy coming a career year who is one year removed from putting up bench player numbers. If Theriot strings together two more good years I would be surprised. I echo the other thoughts of rather having Fontenot of the two guys.

[paul253]

He doesnt have to get any better. I'd be thrilled with the year he had this year. It would be a vast improvement over Weeks and would do a lot of good for our lineup. Just because Counsell dropped off, doesnt mean Theriot will. His numbers last year were very good all around.

[jjfanec]

What I am saying is there is no reason to believe he will even stay the same. Most hitters like Theriot who are slap hitters seem to be inconsistent, with a few exceptions. You cannot just forget two years ago happened or else you end up with a Bill Hall scenario where a guy busts out and you expect great things without realizing the one good year could be a fluke. Now, Theriot could continue to have years like last year and I could be completely wrong, but I think when you look at players with similar track records Theriot is a player that you would be hard pressed to project to continue to have seasons like this year.