Well, Chipper Jones moved from third to the outfield because they got suck-face Vinny Castilla. I don't think Biggio should have a problem with the move.
I'm thrilled we got Jeff Kent too. He could be exactly what we need to take our game deep into the playoffs. My beef is that if Biggio is playing the outfield, his offensive numbers should be held to a higher bar than if he were playing second base. Outfielders must produce offensively, for 2nd basemen it's more of a luxury. We're all perfectionists and many of us would not be happy even if we signed Pedro, Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling tomorrow. I mean after all, we would still have a couple of mediocre scrubs platooning at 3rd, right???
I agree, however when your 2B mashes like Kent, and if Bagwell and Berkman have typical years, it covers up a hole or 2 elsewhere in the lineup. The only offensive numbers I care about with regard to Lugo & Biggio (the presumed 1-2 hitters) is on-base percentage. If they're not getting on at a combined .370+ clip, they're hurting the team.
Amen, buck. We need craig in the 2 hole, a lot more than Daryle's stick or horrible defense. You have to have some guys willing to get on base so the sluggers knock them in. Biggio is the number 2 hitter we have wanted for a long time in houston, imho. And I like an outfield of Berk, Biggio and Lane or Hidalgo a lot more than I
liked Ward in the of last year. He would have to hit 30-40 hr's to justify it, and unlike Durazo in AZ(OAK now) he has never done it consistently.
I think Biggio in the OF is a good move. Unfortunately, if Hidalgo isnt able to recover from the gunshot, Ward looks like the best option in left. I say, trade Ward to an AL team for a SP and maybe a young speedy outfielder to play CF. Then move Biggio to LF (where his arm wouldnt even really be an issue given the short porch). Ward will be a great DH
simple baseball question: is playing the outfield really easier on the legs of an aging player? and if so, why? is it simply not having to deal with double play breakup attempts? another question: is biggio really any faster than berkman? getting Kent definitely covers over some of the multitude of offensive sins this team committed last year. but the sluggers still need people on base ahead of them. neither biggio nor berkman look very much like the centerfielder this team still desperately needs.
Any outfielder on the team can hit better than Biggio did last year. If his defense and arm are not superior, then he should not play the outfield. Williams showed a knack for getting a guy with a good bat into the lineup. The same will go for Biggio. If he can't produce at the plate anymore then he should make this his farewell tour, take his $9 million and have a nice life like the rest of us. Thanks for a great career and all the exciting moments. Thanks for raising the standard for this team and being a beacon in the community. Bill Doran would have kept Biggio behind the plate had injuries not forced his retirement thus keeping Biggio from some HOF (?) years at second. Life conspires. Take what it gives you and make the best. Biggio has done this and he will continue to. If Biggio brings the bat, he'll play plenty.
chievous minniefield - No the OF is not easier on the legs, but it is easier on the knees. Biggio injured his knee so the less he has to pivot, turn and throw on the DPs and grounders to his right, the better. I expect Biggio to hit for a higher average this year and I think he can adjut to the OF pretty well, but I've been wrong before. DVauthrin - "Biggio is the number 2 hitter we have wanted for a long time in houston, imho." That's a silly comment. This team has looked for a top of the order guy to join Biggio for years. You talk like Biggio just joined the team. Lugo's no great shakes at leadoff but baseball is seriously lacking in prototypical leadoff hitters. Biggio/Lugo is about as could as it gets for the team.
