Sometimes, we're forgetting that 2B is a much more demanding everyday position, than playing LF is. I'm not as worried about his defense, as I am worried about how much strain and fatigue playing there again will effect his batting. Since 2001, Biggio has always started out the year on fire... and eventually tires out by August. He did have a decent end of the season 2 years ago, and many said that was because of his move to the outfield.
Biggio's problems at 2B differ from his problems in LF. At 2B a few years back he'd lost significant range. He still made all the plays he could get to, but his foot speed and reaction time were below average at the position. His arm had lost some velocity, but he still could make throws at that position, which is the shortest in terms of throwing distance. So he'll be OK at 2B, assuming he hasn't regressed since his last year there. But he's not a big upgrade to Kent, who was subpar.
I dont think thats true for Bidge. I think its far more demanding when you aren't good at a position (i.e. Bidge in LF) as opposed to playing a position that is more second nature to him. Perhaps the physical aspect of playng 2B is harder than playing LF (i dont even know if thats necessarily the case to be honest), but the mental aspect of bidge in LF will affect his offense a heckuva lot more than the physical aspect of him playing 2B
Last year, when folks began speculating that Bidge would move back to 2B, I said they were crazy because 2B is certainly harder on the knees than OF. Evidently, Astros mgmt. did not agree. So, either Bidge's knee is in much better shape than I thought, or 2B isn't nearly so hard on the knees as I thought, or both.
Well, we'll see. Maybe we're arguing over the word "big" -- I grant you, he's not as bad as Willie Mays of 1973, but even two years ago, he had lost considerable range at 2nd base. Plus, he had trouble turning the double play. He's a liability, especially compared to Burke, and that's all we're doing here. Not comparing him to an old Willie Mays. I agree, I'de rather see him at 2nd base, than see him fall on his face again in the outfield. And, I hope I'm wrong -- I hope he is adequate enough at 2nd base. And that's what you're asking for -- "adequate"
huh? Playing 2B is harder on the knees... that's a fact... but Bidge is probably in good enough shape to do it. Also, he's going to decline offensively as the season progresses no matter what position he plays... simply because he's a 39 year old man. The key will be to control his playing time in the dog-days (June, July) so that he's as strong as possible in August and September. By those months, we should have a pretty good grasp of where this team is going anyways... if we're barely treading water at .500, you could see less Bidge, and more Burke. If we're still in the hunt (and if our pitchers are all healthy, I think that will be the case still), Bidge still deserves to play as much as his body can handle.
Which leads to the '3,000' conundrum. Bigg is unlimkely to get his hits without staying around (somewhere) for three years. Three years! He does not appear to have one good year left, let alone three full seasons of balling.
Biggio will always be a solid hitter... nobody should be disputing that. I was just saying that by playing everyday, he won't be as solid at the end of the season (which is true for most older hitters, not just Biggio). But, at the end of the year, he will still put up an above average season at the plate, esp. for a leadoff man... so I do believe he's got a few good years left (at the plate... probably not in the field).
Bigg needs two years of 180 or so hits to reach his stated career goal of 3000. He may have 150-160 in him for this season. Two years of that level, not bad BTW, still takes Bigg into a third year for 3000. Probably pretty deep into that season. I hope he gets it, and in Houston. But, is he going to be an anchor in his quest?
The beauty of Burke is he gives you a great backup for the aging Biggio. Sure Biggio isn't as great as he was in the past but he'll be great for 120-140 starts a year. Burke is a great option for a "day after night game" situation and other spot starts to give Bidge some rest when needed.
I'd rather have Biggio as the backup. I think he'd do quite well as a pinch hitter and a spot starter. If Burke ever struggles mightily, they can bring in Biggio.
I'd agree with you if we weren't already going to be starting two other positional rookies and a rookie pitcher.
Fox Sports seems to think Burke is the starter at 2B. http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/3487226?GT1=6209
Well, I don't want to start too many rookies either. But if a guy who is about 40 and can't play much defense is the other option, then I'd rather just play the rookie. Besides, we probably won't start Taveras either, so if we start Luke Scott then that's only 2 rookies starting.
There's no point to NOT playing Burke - the only thing he's going to develop with more time in AAA is bad habits. He's hit well in AAA and in Spring, at some point you have to either **** or get off the pot. Biggio's getting up their in age, and it can't help to play a physically demanding position like second. His ability with a bat, and versatility make him perfect for a utility player though.
Chris Burke, 2B, Astros Burke's job detail this season involves replacing Jeff Kent as the Astros' second baseman. Prior to last season, Burke had been a solid hitter for average and demonstrated on-base skills. However, in 2004, despite playing in one of the toughest hitter's parks in Triple-A, he had a breakout power season, particularly by middle infield standards. It remains to be seen whether that was genuine skills growth or a one-year fluke. However, Minute Maid is a great park for right-handed batters, so Burke should put up solid numbers in relation to his peer group of second basemen. Long-term grade: B http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/3487226?GT1=6209 Just a little something about Burke that I thought I could add in here from Fox Sports
