Mike Piazza Available -

[aracko]

Just a thought - Estrada doesnt throw anyone out as it is, so defense is kind of a non factor. He would also back up at 1st base and has alot of playoff experience. When he isnt starting, he would be a wonderful bat off the bench.

 

I personally would think it would be a great addition, but I dont want to see Miller sent packing and this is what it would mean.

 

I imagine the cost would be minimal. He makes 8.5 in 2007. I know there might not be much left in the tank, but a chance to add the best catcher of all time would be pretty intriging. This future HOFer would show the CUBS that we are not just going to sit idle, but are here to give them a real run for the division crown and would definatly eb something worth getting excited for.

 

in 2006, he posted a .843 OPS and .342 OBP.

[Brian the Automator]

.715 OPS this year... I'd rather stick with Miller.

[aracko]

Fair enough Brian - but this year he only has 110 ABs. That doesnt seem like a fair look for someone who has been a everyday player most of his career. His Career OPS is .927.

[brettac1]

I've watched him a lot this year. He looks kind of cooked to me. He might still be able to hit some, but pitchers really don't fear him anymore. He gets challenged a lot more than he used to, because he's lost bat speed.

 

The Brewers could carry three catchers, though, it wouldn't be crazy to do so - not any crazier than 6 OF's or 13 pitchers. Piazza would me mostly a PH, I think, and they could use a RH bat off the bench with pop.

[pogokat]

brett---

 

are they gonna rotate cust andd piazza, or will cust sit when piazza plays??

 

or, god forbid, will jack cust be forced to don a glove?

[Brian the Automator]

[ That doesnt seem like a fair look for someone who has been a everyday player most of his career. His Career OPS is .927. ]

 

I think using the career OPS of a 38 year old is not as good of a comparison as using his current year's worth of at-bats.

 

He's a shell of what he used to be, and I honestly think he wouldn't be able to take the pounding of catching. Plus, he's had a shoulder injury to boot. I'm not sure if it's his throwing shoulder or not, but if it is, I wouldn't trust him behind the dish, even as a backup.

[MNBrew]

At this point the only teams who should seriously consider trading for Piazza and giving him ample ABs are AL teams, where he can DH. He was a defensive liability 10 years ago and hasn't improved with age.

[aracko]

Estrada isnt exactly Benito Santiago back there.

[Brian the Automator]

[ Estrada isnt exactly Benito Santiago back there. ]

 

I agree, and I'd hate to clone him, subtracting some defense and probably some offense as well.

 

I give you credit for out-of-the-box thinking, but I like Miller over Piazza... If it was Moeller, I would probably be able to be convinced otherwise.

[Samurai Bucky]

He would see little if any time behind the plate. He has been having a lot of arm problems. He would probably only be used as a DH on an AL team.

 

I'll pass.

[monty57]

I agree that he's best used as a DH. However, I like Brett's idea of having him as a RH pinch hitter and emergency catcher. I just don't know how much you'd pay for that, either in terms of salary or players given up in trade.

[brettac1]

are they gonna rotate cust andd piazza, or will cust sit when piazza plays??

 

I think they're going to find as many AB's as they can for Cust. Cust has obviously been terrific, and they're going to see what they have in him. He's actually played a dozen games or so in the OF and hasn't embarassed himself, but he's obviously a DH.

 

The A's are going to move a lot of guys. Probably anyone other than Swisher, Cust, Buck, or Suzuki is available among position players. But who the hell wants Bobby Crosby (biggest. disappointment. ever.)? I'd rather have Bubba Crosby.

[Loopee]

If we're going to take a 3rd catcher it better be a defensive specialist who we can put in late in games to slow down the running attacks of likely playoff teams such as the Mets or Angels.

 

That would also allow aYost to pinch hit Miller against lefty specialists.