First Base 2014

[SoupTown]

"So now the Mariners are moving Jesus Montero to 1B...That makes it Smoak/Hart/Morrison/Montero to play one position."

 

I think the Mariners are doing that for a combination of two reasons

 

1) They saw what happened last year in Milwaukee

2) Yuni has moved closer to Seattle than any other MLB city

[jerichoholicninja]

Then there's this little nugget...

 

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said he has "no expectations" for Jesus Montero after the first baseman reported to camp 40 pounds over the weight the team wanted him to come in at.

"It’s up to him," Zduriencik said. "I have zero expectations for Jesus Montero. Any expectations I had are gone." Zduriencik added that Montero has "a ton to prove," while manager Lloyd McClendon said the first baseman is "at a crossroads." Montero's future was already looking murky before this spring, as he's struggled since joining the M's, has been moved off of catcher and last year got popped with a 50-game suspension for his involvement with the Biogenesis scandal. He'll begin the season in the minors and obviously has a lot of ground to make up before he becomes relevant again.

Source: Seattle Times

Feb 21 - 8:25 AM

 

Montero is a total non-factor in Seattle's first base situation.

[TooLiveBrew]

Then there's this little nugget...

 

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said he has "no expectations" for Jesus Montero after the first baseman reported to camp 40 pounds over the weight the team wanted him to come in at.

"It’s up to him," Zduriencik said. "I have zero expectations for Jesus Montero. Any expectations I had are gone." Zduriencik added that Montero has "a ton to prove," while manager Lloyd McClendon said the first baseman is "at a crossroads." Montero's future was already looking murky before this spring, as he's struggled since joining the M's, has been moved off of catcher and last year got popped with a 50-game suspension for his involvement with the Biogenesis scandal. He'll begin the season in the minors and obviously has a lot of ground to make up before he becomes relevant again.

Source: Seattle Times

Feb 21 - 8:25 AM

That's some classy stuff, Jack Z. Maybe the Cards will need to add to their scouting personnel when you inevitably get canned.

[jerichoholicninja]

Can you blame him for saying that when a guy shows up to camp 40 pounds over weight and just got suspended 50 games the season before.

[Warning Track Power]

Can you blame him for saying that when a guy shows up to camp 40 pounds over weight and just got suspended 50 games the season before.

Exactly...nice professionalism shown by Montero. Your job from October to February is to work out and stay in shape. How hard is that? Sorry I have no sympathy for athletes that get paid ridiculously high salaries and pull this kind of thing, especially given his suspension.

 

Imagine the venom we would have for Ryan Braun if he had shown up 40 pounds overweight yesterday.

[TooLiveBrew]

Can you blame him for saying that when a guy shows up to camp 40 pounds over weight and just got suspended 50 games the season before.

Well, fair enough

[bensheeps]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/move-to-first-base-a-career-reboot-for-jesus-montero?ymd=20140220&content_id=68008184&vkey=news_mlb

So now the Mariners are moving Jesus Montero to 1B...That makes it Smoak/Hart/Morrison/Montero to play one position. Interesting.

 

I get the idea of looking for a team with too many options at 1st base, but I think the team to look at is Boston. Nava and Gomes (and possibly Sizemore) ahead of Mike Carp in left field. Papi will fill the DH role. Napoli and Nava are listed ahead of Carp on the depth chart at 1st base with Lavarnway learning the position and Papi an option in National League parks to keep his bat in the lineup.

 

Comparing Carp to some of the other frequently mentioned trade candidates:

 

Mike Carp $1.4 salary for 2014, .904 OPS vs. RHP in 2013

Justin Smoak $2.79 salary for 2014, .839 OPS vs. RHP in 2013

Mitch Moreland $2.65 salary for 2014, .752 OPS vs. RHP in 2013

Ike Davis $3.5 salary for 2014, .727 OPS vs. RHP in 2013

 

All four guys are within 15 months of each other in age. All are free agents in 2017.

 

I know Carp had a career year last year and may not be as good this year. He has also come out and said he wants to stay in Boston even if it means a reduced role. Wonder if the Red Sox feel the same way or if they feel it would be better to get something useful for him.

[brewcrewdue80]

The Jack Z comments, it would work out better if today he DFA'd Montero clearly removing him from any of their future plans. 40lbs! in 4months basically? Maybe PEDs didn't just make him a stand out Prospect but also kept him from sitting on his rear-end and eating food.

 

A team should be able to dock his pay for this kind of weight gain. Literally 50% of his pay imo. 10lbs weight gain you get a pass. over 10 to 25 you lose 25% of your pay. 25+ and it's 50%. They are being paid to be professional athletes and you take an offseason off and gain 40lbs? He'll spend the entire first half losing that weight before he even returns to being bad. Some kind of example should be made from him because not only did he do PEDs but now he's ignored his fitness, sign of a guy who clearly has accepted cashing it in sitting on the bench.

 

And for those who think well he can just go and lose the 40lbs before the start of the season? yeah because losing weight that fast sure is healthy....

 

 

Edit Adding: Read that Yasiel Puig reported to camp +27lbs I believe. How, do these guys gain this weight like that? Aren't you in the gym working out/running in the offseason? I get 10lbs maybe even 15 but almost 30lbs in less than half a year? As a top tier talent athlete like Puig?

And he's my keeper in fantasy, so this stinks I hope he doesn't settle in to being a 25-30HR player with less than 10SBs and a swing for the fences .245-.255 BA.

[MVP2110]

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/02/scouts-from-the-pirates-and-brewers-are-watching-mike-carp/

 

Still looking at carp, would love if he could learn to play 3rd too. Could definitely live with him and Reynolds as the main first basemen and other backing up 3rd with Carp also getting some time in left possibly

[brewmann04]

http://www.brewcrewball.com/2014/3/2/5462574/mike-carp-rumors-brewers

[PrinceFielderx1]

The Brewers will be looking for temporary 1B man for the next couple years, because they are preparing Victor Roache to take it over by then.

[monty57]

The Brewers will be looking for temporary 1B man for the next couple years, because they are preparing Victor Roache to take it over by then.

 

Roache had a .762 OPS in low-A Wisconsin as a 21-year old last year. He has upside, and I hope he reaches his potential, but I don't think the Brewers are building their current MLB roster based on Roache. Maybe he'll change that if he knocks the cover off the ball at high-A/AA this season, but not right now.

 

But to the heart of this whole thread (not your quote PFx1), what do people expect? We spent money to extend Braun, and he's the centerpiece of the offense. We spent money to extend Gomez, and he's a key piece of the team. We spent money to sign Ramirez and he's the cleanup hitter. We spent money to extend Gallardo and to sign Lohse and Garza over the past two seasons, and the only significant trade Melvin has made in years was to fill the shortstop position.

 

People saying they can't believe we aren't doing more to address the first base situation need to realize that we have finite resources, so we can't just sign players at every position to eight figure salaries. The ones we have are eating up most of our budgeted payroll, so we need inexpensive players to fill the rest of the positions. If we aren't going to trade anyone good away, and we can't draft worth a lick, then we aren't going to have good inexpensive players for all the holes. Reynolds has had success at the MLB level, and is probably going to be boom or bust. If he gets the everyday role, and hits 30+ HR with an OPS over .800 (both things he's very capable of), he will be seen as the steal of the offseason.

 

The real hole on the roster could turn out to be the backup 3B. I think Ramirez is probably the key to this year's team, because if he misses a lot of time his backup situation is either someone with no bat or no glove... choose your poison. Reynolds' defense is passable at 1B, but if we have to go with Reynolds at 3B and Francisco at 1B (or vice versa), they'd better hit a lot of HR or the fan-base will be irate with the strikeouts and poor defense, which are two things fans really like to complain about.

 

So we will have a number of good players on the team who will be fun to watch. We'll also have a few holes, but we knew we'd have some holes in this year's roster a couple of seasons ago. If we remain healthy (very important), and if a few players rebound from down years (Gallardo, Weeks, Reynolds) and a few others continue to play above their heads, then we will at least have a team worth watching this season. Spring Training has started, it's a time for hope, and now that I've watched and/or listened to a few games, I've got spring fever, and I'm just going to try to look at this season and hope for the best for the Brewers.

[Warning Track Power]

What about Scott Van Slyke of the Dodgers? he has always hit in the minors but has never really been given a shot at the MLB level.

 

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=vansly001sco

 

With the Dodgers having concerns about Alex Guerrero's ability to play 2B, they are considering starting Dee Gordon at 2B. Maybe we can get them interested in Rickie (even though I prefer to keep him) if Van Slyke can play 1B long term.

[Outlander]

That would be great if they could get him as it looks like he could actually play every day versus having a platoon. However, I keep seeing from posters that the Dodgers don't really want another second baseman so I don't know if there is a fit there.

[jerichoholicninja]

Van Slyke = Reynolds = Francisco = Overbay = Davis = Moreland = Smoak

 

Every player that's been discussed here except for Billy Butler is such a minimal upgrade it isn't worth giving up anyone but a low level never-will-be to get.

[monty57]

Van Slyke = Reynolds = Francisco = Overbay = Davis = Moreland = Smoak

 

Every player that's been discussed here except for Billy Butler is such a minimal upgrade it isn't worth giving up anyone but a low level never-will-be to get.

 

I think that's key. If we want a good first baseman who would be an upgrade, we'd have to trade someone no one wants to trade. I'm sure that if we traded Gomez, we could find a 1B. However, we are not going to trade away someone of no value and magically see that turn into a good, everyday MLB first baseman.

 

We don't really have anyone on our farm worth trading, and we don't have much room in the budget to allow for another eight figure salary. That means we are going to have some holes. The only way to fill the holes to the satisfaction of some would be to give up something of value. The only "things" of value the Brewers currently possess are MLB guys, and trading them would only open one hole to fill another, so it's probably not worth it.

 

When Garza was signed, I thought Attanasio may sell the farm in an attempt to get Butler, but I realized that "the farm" is really Thornberg and Nelson, and our top two prospects aren't worth one year of a good MLB player, which is kind of sad.

[JohnBriggs12]

Van Slyke = Reynolds = Francisco = Overbay = Davis = Moreland = Smoak

 

Every player that's been discussed here except for Billy Butler is such a minimal upgrade it isn't worth giving up anyone but a low level never-will-be to get.

 

If you assume the Dodgers would deal Van Slyke for Weeks, it would depend on how much of Weeks' deal LA is willing to pick up. Van Syke is nearing 28, but his minor league numbers the last couple seasons are very intriguing.

[brewcrewdue80]

PrinceFielderx1 said:

The Brewers will be looking for temporary 1B man for the next couple years, because they are preparing Victor Roache to take it over by then.

 

 

Roache had a .762 OPS in low-A Wisconsin as a 21-year old last year. He has upside, and I hope he reaches his potential, but I don't think the Brewers are building their current MLB roster based on Roache. Maybe he'll change that if he knocks the cover off the ball at high-A/AA this season, but not right now.

 

Monty of all people here though you do know that was his 1st pro season after his injury. An injury that made folks concerned of sapping what was his true Plus leading to being draft Power/HR ability. I see 22HRs as being a good sign that Roache can get to the status of being his top 10 predraft ranking in 2012. And yeah the team is built around Braun currently. With Davis, that can all the more reason to make a position change with Roache. Since he's blocked. It will turn in to a reverse Hart. 1b to OF...OF to 1b.

 

Now PFX1 I suggested they move Roache to 1b in their minors. Your statement makes it seem like it's been decided by the club to do so? Where did you read that?

[TooLiveBrew]

PrinceFielderx1 said:

The Brewers will be looking for temporary 1B man for the next couple years, because they are preparing Victor Roache to take it over by then.

 

 

Roache had a .762 OPS in low-A Wisconsin as a 21-year old last year. He has upside, and I hope he reaches his potential, but I don't think the Brewers are building their current MLB roster based on Roache. Maybe he'll change that if he knocks the cover off the ball at high-A/AA this season, but not right now.

 

Monty of all people here though you do know that was his 1st pro season after his injury. An injury that made folks concerned of sapping what was his true Plus leading to being draft Power/HR ability. I see 22HRs as being a good sign that Roache can get to the status of being his top 10 predraft ranking in 2012. And yeah the team is built around Braun currently. With Davis, that can all the more reason to make a position change with Roache. Since he's blocked. It will turn in to a reverse Hart. 1b to OF...OF to 1b.

Roache is still at least a couple seasons away from MLB, so in general I can't worry about his position at this point. On top of that, as much as I love Khrush Davis, he by no means is blocking anyone right now. He's had a good but not great MiLB career, & doesn't objectively project to be better than solid in LF.

[TURBO]

Van Slyke = Reynolds = Francisco = Overbay = Davis = Moreland = Smoak

 

Every player that's been discussed here except for Billy Butler is such a minimal upgrade it isn't worth giving up anyone but a low level never-will-be to get.

 

 

^ This.

 

and if the Brewers are seriously considering moving Roache to 1B, what does that say about Morris and Rogers?

 

I doubt Morris ever logs an inning with the Brewers.

[TURBO]

Now PFX1 I suggested they move Roache to 1b in their minors. Your statement makes it seem like it's been decided by the club to do so? Where did you read that?

 

He doesn't have to read it anyplace or have it verified. All that he types is fact, just ask him...

 

[monty57]

PrinceFielderx1 said:

The Brewers will be looking for temporary 1B man for the next couple years, because they are preparing Victor Roache to take it over by then.

 

 

Roache had a .762 OPS in low-A Wisconsin as a 21-year old last year. He has upside, and I hope he reaches his potential, but I don't think the Brewers are building their current MLB roster based on Roache. Maybe he'll change that if he knocks the cover off the ball at high-A/AA this season, but not right now.

 

Monty of all people here though you do know that was his 1st pro season after his injury. An injury that made folks concerned of sapping what was his true Plus leading to being draft Power/HR ability. I see 22HRs as being a good sign that Roache can get to the status of being his top 10 predraft ranking in 2012. And yeah the team is built around Braun currently. With Davis, that can all the more reason to make a position change with Roache. Since he's blocked. It will turn in to a reverse Hart. 1b to OF...OF to 1b.

 

Now PFX1 I suggested they move Roache to 1b in their minors. Your statement makes it seem like it's been decided by the club to do so? Where did you read that?

 

Oh, I know, and that's why I said "he has upside and I hope he reaches his potential." The injury caused every team that drafted in front of the Brewers to pass on him, so it is far from set in stone that he will be a dominant MLB hitter. As I mentioned, if he steps things up this season and crushes the ball as he moves up through the system, then the Brewers can start to make future plans based on his presence, but they shouldn't be making any MLB roster moves right now because of Roache.

 

As to whether he should be moved to first base, that should be determined by whether or not the Brewers think he can play good defense at a corner OF position. If he can, then I would not move him, but if he cannot, then he should be moved immediately.

 

Just a note, Hart was actually a 1B who was moved to 3B because of Fielder. He couldn't cut it at 3B, so he was moved to the outfield, and eventually came full circle back to first base. Fielder was someone who was certainly going to block Hart at 1B, and Hart was someone who was playing so well they knew they wanted to do something to get him to the majors. Davis isn't someone who is certainly going to be better than another prospect coming up, and Roache has not yet done anything to make the Brewers shuffle things around to fast-track him to the majors.

 

I think the probable scenario would be Roache starting the year in high-A and potentially moving up to AA mid-season, so next season or more likely 2016 is when he would make the big leagues if he indeed plays well enough to make it. During that time frame, we have a plethora of more advanced outfielders to cycle through if Davis doesn't cut it. Now, if Davis plays well this year, and Roache dominates at the plate in the minors, the Brewers may shift gears and get him some time at 1B, but let's wait for that to happen before moving one of our most promising prospects to a lesser valued defensive position.

[PrinceFielderx1]

PrinceFielderx1 said:

The Brewers will be looking for temporary 1B man for the next couple years, because they are preparing Victor Roache to take it over by then.

 

 

Roache had a .762 OPS in low-A Wisconsin as a 21-year old last year. He has upside, and I hope he reaches his potential, but I don't think the Brewers are building their current MLB roster based on Roache. Maybe he'll change that if he knocks the cover off the ball at high-A/AA this season, but not right now.

 

Monty of all people here though you do know that was his 1st pro season after his injury. An injury that made folks concerned of sapping what was his true Plus leading to being draft Power/HR ability. I see 22HRs as being a good sign that Roache can get to the status of being his top 10 predraft ranking in 2012. And yeah the team is built around Braun currently. With Davis, that can all the more reason to make a position change with Roache. Since he's blocked. It will turn in to a reverse Hart. 1b to OF...OF to 1b.

 

Now PFX1 I suggested they move Roache to 1b in their minors. Your statement makes it seem like it's been decided by the club to do so? Where did you read that?

 

Oh, I know, and that's why I said "he has upside and I hope he reaches his potential." The injury caused every team that drafted in front of the Brewers to pass on him, so it is far from set in stone that he will be a dominant MLB hitter. As I mentioned, if he steps things up this season and crushes the ball as he moves up through the system, then the Brewers can start to make future plans based on his presence, but they shouldn't be making any MLB roster moves right now because of Roache.

 

As to whether he should be moved to first base, that should be determined by whether or not the Brewers think he can play good defense at a corner OF position. If he can, then I would not move him, but if he cannot, then he should be moved immediately.

 

Just a note, Hart was actually a 1B who was moved to 3B because of Fielder. He couldn't cut it at 3B, so he was moved to the outfield, and eventually came full circle back to first base. Fielder was someone who was certainly going to block Hart at 1B, and Hart was someone who was playing so well they knew they wanted to do something to get him to the majors. Davis isn't someone who is certainly going to be better than another prospect coming up, and Roache has not yet done anything to make the Brewers shuffle things around to fast-track him to the majors.

 

I think the probable scenario would be Roache starting the year in high-A and potentially moving up to AA mid-season, so next season or more likely 2016 is when he would make the big leagues if he indeed plays well enough to make it. During that time frame, we have a plethora of more advanced outfielders to cycle through if Davis doesn't cut it. Now, if Davis plays well this year, and Roache dominates at the plate in the minors, the Brewers may shift gears and get him some time at 1B, but let's wait for that to happen before moving one of our most promising prospects to a lesser valued defensive position.

 

Roache playing OF wont last too much longer and will probably be over in less than a year,

 

1.) Khris Davis is a player that me and Doug believe will hit 80 Rbi's, 25+ home runs, and hit for a good average. Why would anybody want to move a player like that who can only play LF? Not happening.

 

2.) Roache will likely be moved to 1B. He is Prince Fielder 2.0 in terms of power and hitting ability. However I expect that average to increase quite a bit from last season. When Roache explodes which is likely IMO he will be expedited to the Majors.

 

3.) 1B is the only postiton that he can play that isn't blocked.

 

This is the way I see things playing out.

[PrinceFielderx1]

Van Slyke = Reynolds = Francisco = Overbay = Davis = Moreland = Smoak

 

Every player that's been discussed here except for Billy Butler is such a minimal upgrade it isn't worth giving up anyone but a low level never-will-be to get.

 

 

^ This.

 

and if the Brewers are seriously considering moving Roache to 1B, what does that say about Morris and Rogers?

 

I doubt Morris ever logs an inning with the Brewers.

 

The Brewers made it very clear what they think about Morris. They have also made it very clear of what they think of Victor Roache by drafting him in the 1st round.

[TooLiveBrew]

2.) Roache will likely be moved to 1B. He is Prince Fielder 2.0 in terms of power and hitting ability. However I expect that average to increase quite a bit from last season. When Roache explodes which is likely IMO he will be expedited to the Majors.

He is absolutely nowhere close to Fielder in terms of hitting ability. He's probably not far away from Prince in terms of raw power, but yikes. Not even close as a pure hitter.