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#141 · November 23, 2020, 10:17 am
I knew I would stir up some controversy when I mentioned Hunter Renfroe but this probably is not going to happen because (a) he was literally booed out of San Diego and undoubtedly has the scars of that experience and (b) he will want a contract more than the Padres would offer him. However, if these conditions are overcome, then I agree with Mr. Hill.
Despite his low BA last year, Renfroe's walk rate was over 10% (better than Garcia's) and strikeout rate was 26%, which is one of the lowest of his career and just a little over no-pop Garcia's 25%. ZIPS projects Renfroe's 2021 year offensively to be better than Myers and defensively there is no question that Renfroe is better than Myers in the OF at any of the three OF positions. Maybe our hitting coaches can help Renfroe be a little bit better just like they did with Hosmer and Myers this year, but even if they don't I think Renfroe could be a valuable piece as a platoon player, defensive replacement or scary pinch hitter. Certainly we could and should not field a lineup dominant with below .300 OBP hitters, but we've solved that problem in the short run with Grisham, Cronenworth, Pham and improvements by Myers and Hosmer. Garcia's OBP was below .300 in 2020 and he is not an elite defensive player.
Here's an idea - what if you offer Renfroe a 2 year contract with a club option for the second year. The first year is something like the 2.5 M and the second is around 5M+ with a modest buyout. That would also give us another possible option vice a more expensive Pham after 2021 while awaiting the LH hitting Abrams introduction into the OF and lineup/possible platooning in 2021/2022. Padres will be in much better financial position once the pandemic is controlled (likely around summer 2021) and we will know for sure whether what we saw from Myers, Pham, Hosmer, etc. is for real or just a 60 game or less blip over a much longer season.
#142 · November 23, 2020, 10:43 am
You would still have to move Myers out of right field. No?
#143 · November 23, 2020, 11:05 am
Something that hasn't gotten mentioned much is that the Renfroe for Pham trade essentially "displaced" Wil Myers from LF (for 2 years), which is easily his best position. BECAUSE he had a career "year" (2 months) while settling into playing only one position -- RF; the fact that THAT position is NOT his best one has gotten conveniently overlooked.
It's inarguable that Defensively, Left to Right: Myers - Grisham - Renfroe would be >> Pham - Grisham - Myers. But it's also inarguable that you would be giving up a massive amount of offense (OBP) exchanging Pham for Renfroe. Multiple obvious solutions:
- Keep Pham / sign Renfroe as a 4th OF. Could sub into the better defense in close games. Consummate "big bat" on bench to Pinch hit, and Renfroe has a history of coming through in big moments. Rare guy who could double switch into a game defensively after PH and not "kill" the offense/lineup b/c the power threat is always there. But challenging to always start Renfroe vs LHP with Pham still there....
- Sign Profar AND Renfroe / Non-Tender or Trade Pham & Garcia. This should seemingly be do-able for the 9.5 MM+ it would take to return Pham & Garcia. Think about how much better of a "fit" this is for the entire team. I was a big "fan of Pham" signing, and agree with Mr. P that he may have a great 2021. But what I dislike is his lack of versatility, ESPECIALLY if no DH. He & Hosmer are the only non-versatile starting position players. Renfroe not that versatile either, but he wouldn't kill you in LF, whereas Pham might in RF. If you did this: vs RHP: Profar starts in LF, Myers in RF, Renfroe on bench to pinch hit/defensive sub later. vs LHP: ALWAYS start Renfroe in RF, Myers in LF, and frequently Profar at either 2B or 1B. It's hard not to argue that this might provide same or even better overall offensive output by creating better matchups, plus depth benefits over duration of season.
What do you guys think? Might have to tender Pham & risk being able to trade him unless you could pull off both FA signings (agreements in place) before 12/2.
#145 · November 23, 2020, 12:37 pm
I don't know why anyone would want to mess with Myers numbers after last year. He was finally the player that we hoped he would be. I say leave him alone.
#146 · November 23, 2020, 1:23 pm
Has the team EVER asked where Wil feels the most comfortable? He looked okay in RF but agree with Brian that LF is probably his best defensive position. And Renfroe certainly has the arm and D to play RF
#147 · November 23, 2020, 1:58 pm
A different strategy on Renfroe. November 20th he was DFA by TB which means they have 7 days to trade him or put him on waivers. FA only after he clears waivers.
So if Renfroe has good player value ... and a team would get 3 years control (in arb) but could non-tender him next year if he flames out ... why would not some "needy" team claim him and take on the estimated $3.6MM arbitration salary? Maybe claiming a trade deadline trade chip?
If he is good at almost any level multiple teams will be interested if he hits FA and bid that base contract up closer to the arbitration price ... without getting the benefit of having 3 year control. If none of the other ML teams are bidding .... is he really that desirable. There are some really poor offensive teams around. Saw one suggestion he would be a great fit in Houston (think that LF porch) while they have Brantley, Springer, and Reddick who are FA giving Renfroe a great shot at starting.
So, if the Padres wanted him back ... would they need to claim him off waivers? If others also claimed, the Padres are late in the claiming order, might need to trade with TB to get him AND commit the $3.6MM.
So, $3.6MM and a prospect for a part-time player? Don't hold your breath.
#148 · November 23, 2020, 2:10 pm
Quote from WindsorUK on November 23, 2020, 1:23 pmHas the team EVER asked where Wil feels the most comfortable? He looked okay in RF but agree with Brian that LF is probably his best defensive position. And Renfroe certainly has the arm and D to play RF
Myers is a good guy and is always willing to play anywhere without question ... the "I will do whatever is good for the team" approach ... unfortunately the front office (and Green) just capitalized on that in the continuous shuffling.
Not sure Myers knows where he is most comfortable ... all we know that his best offense was last year in RF. Hard to sort through all the moving parts that may have lead to that ... e.g. Green out / Tingler in .... Easley the new hitting coach ... lower in the line-up ... better offense around him ... or RF and not being shuffled around. Not all that comfortable with tampering with success with the chance to reverting to the old Myers form.
Agree with the comment that LF may be is best position defensively but "comfortable" there? He was fine in RF.
#149 · November 23, 2020, 3:48 pm
Could you imagine Renfroe in Boston with that Green Monster?
Much like Hedges,if he could just hit .240/.300/450 he would be extremely valuable for his defense and power.
But instead I just don’t see him back in SD.
I just can’t see us bringing in anyone that can’t at least produce a .330 OBP.
#150 · November 23, 2020, 6:20 pm
Quote from MrPadre19 on November 23, 2020, 3:48 pmCould you imagine Renfroe in Boston with that Green Monster?
Much like Hedges,if he could just hit .240/.300/450 he would be extremely valuable for his defense and power.
But instead I just don’t see him back in SD.
I just can’t see us bringing in anyone that can’t at least produce a .330 OBP.
Boston is a good call in the OF with Verdugo (L) and Benintendi (L). MILW now that Braun is a FA ... in Miller Park would be heaven for him. Texas is looking for a bat to go with Gallo ... they should have some money to spend in the new park. Houston has a lot of appeal with the short LF.
Should have teams interested .... just a question as to the contract IF he clears waivers. Outside chance he actually re-signs with TB if he clears at a lower price than the arb call if he likes it there.
Should know by the end of the week if the clears waivers (or is traded).