tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post117079278509603699..comments2023-10-20T04:28:04.547-04:00Comments on Nats320 -- A Washington Nationals Blog: The Projected Everyday LineupScreech's Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-1170890409747138652007-02-07T18:20:00.000-05:002007-02-07T18:20:00.000-05:00SenatorNat: Escobar is an interesting choice, if h...SenatorNat: Escobar is an interesting choice, if healthy--another Soriano at the top of the order. But, I would be more comfortable with him second, just because of his power. Lopez's speed in front can only help him. Zimmerman says he's very comfortable batting 3rd. He may well develop into a slugger, but, for now--I really like him at 3--Kearns at 4.<BR/><BR/>Its very interesting though. Thanks, as alwaysScreech's Best Friendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-1170883029163164802007-02-07T16:17:00.000-05:002007-02-07T16:17:00.000-05:00To chime in on The Eckstein chat: I recall that Bo...To chime in on The Eckstein chat: I recall that Bowden was not too interested in him-although he was definitely available, at the time. I actually love Eckstein. He strides to be far better than anyone ever expects. You have to appreciate his efforts.Screech's Best Friendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-1170882752799912732007-02-07T16:12:00.000-05:002007-02-07T16:12:00.000-05:00That was an interesting year for SS. A bunch floa...That was an interesting year for SS. A bunch floated around and Eckstein was the only one who didn't get a big contract.<BR/><BR/>Eckstein's OBP is roughly the same as Lopez, but Lopez also played half the season in a tougher pitcher's park. (though his time in Cinci evens that out)<BR/><BR/>Eckstein stole just 7 bases, too.<BR/><BR/>He might be a better shortstop, all-around, but Lopez appears to be a better leadoff hitter.Chris Needhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10455692848328638937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-1170880410517642152007-02-07T15:33:00.000-05:002007-02-07T15:33:00.000-05:00Chris, You make a good point about Lopez's OBP. M...Chris, You make a good point about Lopez's OBP. Maybe my standards are too high but I prefer a lead off hitter who doesn't strike out much. I like David Eckstein of the Cards. By the way, he was available when the Nats signed Guzman. He signed with the Cards as a free agent after Guzman signed with the Nats. Which SS would you rather have?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-1170873923733292162007-02-07T13:45:00.000-05:002007-02-07T13:45:00.000-05:00Bernie Castro is doing a fantastic job at Left Fie...Bernie Castro is doing a fantastic job at Left Field for the Dominican Republic team in the Caribbean Series. He's looking like a natural outfielder! He could be an option in case one of the other guys can't do the job. He's got great speed too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-1170867094935713852007-02-07T11:51:00.000-05:002007-02-07T11:51:00.000-05:00I guess you didn't notice that .360 on-base percen...I guess you didn't notice that .360 on-base percentage last year, Phil? Or the 44 steals?<BR/><BR/>Who exactly IS a good leadoff hitter in the league? You seem to have some pretty high standards.Chris Needhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10455692848328638937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-1170859805696414702007-02-07T09:50:00.000-05:002007-02-07T09:50:00.000-05:00FLop has struck out nearly 240 times over the past...FLop has struck out nearly 240 times over the past two seasons while drawing 138 walks. I see absolutely nothing in his statistics that would suggest he will be an effective lead off hitter.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-1170829852208853832007-02-07T01:30:00.000-05:002007-02-07T01:30:00.000-05:00With Johnson and Da Guz being questionable for ope...With Johnson and Da Guz being questionable for opening day, according to MLB.com's outlook for the NL East (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20070204&content_id=1794149&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp), it's kind of up in the air of course,<BR/>but I'd like to give the latter a chance. <BR/><BR/>I know I am in the deep minority in rooting for Da Guz (in '05, I think it was only myself and SBF's African Queen who were the ones to be yelling out "GUZ" with a G, as opposed to the unfortunately popular alternative with a B), I'd like to see him rebound into the situational hitter I'd like to think he could be, in getting on base, and running like hell when the 3rd and or 4th batters produce behind him. We shall see.<BR/><BR/>That's not to say that I don't also like Escobar, provided he doesn't sprain an ankle walking over an errant peanut shell on his way to the batting circle. He is, as you say, a great talent, with the asteriskical (if that's not a word, it should be) "when healthy."<BR/><BR/>As for the rest of the order, I agree in full, with the caveat that I'd have to say that this '07 season can be pretty much summed up with the phrase "toss up," and we simply see what happens. Kind of exciting in that way, dontchya think?<BR/><BR/>I just hope at this season's end we won't be hearing the phrase "There are winners, and then there are Guzers."<BR/><BR/>Sorry for that, couldn't help it.<BR/><BR/>CheersBang the Drum Natlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07213808473792642631noreply@blogger.com