Quote from MrPadre19 on February 10, 2021, 12:15 pm

Yes it's worriesome that his hitting has gotten worse even after reaching the PCL.

But,with his speed and still only 25 if the issue is known(can't hit the curve/adjust to fastball etc) maybe they feel they can still improve him.

He's worth holding on to but is he worth giving a 26 man spot too just for his speed at this point.

 

Quote from fenn68 on February 10, 2021, 12:30 pm

Quote from MrPadre19 on February 10, 2021, 12:15 pm

Yes it's worriesome that his hitting has gotten worse even after reaching the PCL.

But,with his speed and still only 25 if the issue is known(can't hit the curve/adjust to fastball etc) maybe they feel they can still improve him.

He's worth holding on to but is he worth giving a 26 man spot too just for his speed at this point.

 

It is the 26 man roster slot on a team trying to win a championship. If they were the “old” Padres losing 90+ games a season might keep him for development gamble .... but in 2021 have to go with better options. OAK chose to move on last year ... and they had him for a number of years to evaluate his development arc.

I expect the same debate will surface on Guerra in a crowded pen at the end of ST.

 

Quote from 3fingersplit on February 10, 2021, 1:36 pm

So maybe Mateo is the Padre version of Herb Washington except Mateo could play a position in a pinch....

Quote from fenn68 on February 10, 2021, 2:29 pm

Quote from 3fingersplit on February 10, 2021, 1:36 pm

So maybe Mateo is the Padre version of Herb Washington except Mateo could play a position in a pinch....

Now that IS dipping into the past! A Charlie Finley special.

All I really remember his him coming into a World Series against the LAD to pinch run (think in the 9th) and immediately getting picked off leading to a loss. Don't think he survived more than one season.

Quote from BoosterSD on February 11, 2021, 8:00 am

Well, another RHH CF option is off the board. Marisnik has signed with CHC. 2021 is $1M, and $4M option for 2022 with a $500K buyout. So only a guarantee of $1.5M, but with Almora gone, predominately more playing time that he would see in SD barring injury.

Quote from fenn68 on February 11, 2021, 8:23 am

Yep, never underestimate the desire for ball players actually wanting to play even without considering the potential value towards getting the next contract.

Actually might worry about a player who would be happy taking a bench option if he had a playing opportunity ... retirement in place? OR a major over market contract from a team?

Quote from Brian Connelly on February 11, 2021, 8:48 am

Quote from fenn68 on February 10, 2021, 12:30 pm

Quote from MrPadre19 on February 10, 2021, 12:15 pm

Yes it's worriesome that his hitting has gotten worse even after reaching the PCL.

But,with his speed and still only 25 if the issue is known(can't hit the curve/adjust to fastball etc) maybe they feel they can still improve him.

He's worth holding on to but is he worth giving a 26 man spot too just for his speed at this point.

 

It is the 26 man roster slot on a team trying to win a championship. If they were the “old” Padres losing 90+ games a season might keep him for development gamble .... but in 2021 have to go with better options. OAK chose to move on last year ... and they had him for a number of years to evaluate his development arc.

I expect the same debate will surface on Guerra in a crowded pen at the end of ST.

 

I'm well aware of Mateo's long minors career shortcomings as a hitter.  Just think it's pointless to try to parse that small of an MLB sample into an all encompassing stat.

I've said for a long time that both Mateo & Guerra would be better fits on a "2nd tier" rebuilding team where they get more opportunity to play & that team can afford them some patience.  I consider both of them to still be prospects (limited MLB PLAYING time), so might trade them for lower level non roster prospects.

It's easy to forget not only was last year only a 60 game season where 1 pinch running appearance could make or break the season, but teams started with a 30-man active roster.  I thought acquiring Mateo for that situation was pretty savvy.

162 game season with a 26-man roster and no DH is something else entirely.  Can't see using a guy strictly as a PR in NL; especially if going with a "short"4-man bench (extra P).   BUT Mateo's being out of options combined with the lack of true CF depth seems like it's "protecting" him for now...  Even if O'Grady is better, do we keep him in MLB to not play much & risk losing Mateo on waivers?  Just depletes depth further.

Think removing P limit & 4-man bench possibility both help Guerra's chances, but don't guarantee anything.

Quote from Brian Connelly on February 11, 2021, 8:49 am

Quote from fenn68 on February 11, 2021, 8:23 am

Yep, never underestimate the desire for ball players actually wanting to play even without considering the potential value towards getting the next contract.

Actually might worry about a player who would be happy taking a bench option if he had a playing opportunity ... retirement in place? OR a major over market contract from a team?

What about an older player who's made some $ prioritizing WINNING over his own playing time?

Quote from fenn68 on February 11, 2021, 11:10 am

Quote from Brian Connelly on February 11, 2021, 8:49 am

Quote from fenn68 on February 11, 2021, 8:23 am

Yep, never underestimate the desire for ball players actually wanting to play even without considering the potential value towards getting the next contract.

Actually might worry about a player who would be happy taking a bench option if he had a playing opportunity ... retirement in place? OR a major over market contract from a team?

What about an older player who's made some $ prioritizing WINNING over his own playing time?

Usually those are the ones who know they are over the hill without better options ... and no better financial offers. At that point they may say it was to be on a winner ... but probably it is about being employed (at market value) with an eye on the end coming soon.