Otto Greule Jr - Getty Images
11 months ago: SEATTLE - JUNE 25: Relief pitcher Jamey Wright #50 of the Seattle Mariners pitches in a 4-2 loss against the Florida Marlins at Safeco Field on June 25, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Jamey Wright was picked 28th overall in the 1993 draft, the second-ever first round draft pick of the Colorado Rockies. After 11 years almost exclusively as a starter in the big leagues, 2007 marked a transition into the bullpen for Wright, who has found a home in relief ever since.
Since the start of the 2008 season, Wright is one of just five pitchers with at least 200 innings pitched and a ground ball rate of at least 60% of his balls in play:
| Highest MLB Ground Ball Rates 2008-2011 | ||
| Pitcher | Innings Pitched | Ground Ball Rate |
| Brandon Webb | 230.2 | 64.0% |
| Brad Ziegler | 252.0 | 62.4% |
| Scott Downs | 232.1 | 60.9% |
| Tim Hudson | 628.0 | 60.4% |
| Jamey Wright | 290.0 | 60.2% |
| Minimum 200 IP; source: FanGraphs | ||
Wright has also been durable since joining the bullpen, tied for Matt Guerrier for the third most relief innings in baseball from 2008-2011. What a difference five years of age and outperforming ones peripherals make, as Wright (4.25 ERA, 4.35 FIP, 4.25 xFIP during the last four years) is on his second consecutive minor league contract while Guerrier (3.23 ERA, 4.38 FIP, 4.25 xFIP from 2007-2010) cashed in to the tune of three years and $12 million last year.
Wright allowed 13 unearned runs in 2009, setting a Royals record for a reliever, the highest number of unearned runs allowed by a major league reliever since Tony Castillo allowed 14 for the Chicago White Sox in 1997.
Jamey Wright signed a minor-league contract with an invitation to big league camp in spring training, with a reported out clause at some point in March per Tony Jackson of ESPN LA, meaning of Wright isn't added to the active roster by the specified date in his contract he can opt to become a free agent.
| Year | Age | IP | BB/9 | K/9 | ERA | FIP | x-FIP | tERA | ERA+ |
| 2009 | 34 | 79.0 | 5.01 | 6.84 | 4.33 | 4.83 | 4.45 | 5.00 | 103 |
| 2010 | 35 | 58.1 | 3.86 | 4.32 | 4.17 | 4.23 | 4.54 | 3.87 | 96 |
| 2011 | 36 | 68.1 | 3.95 | 6.32 | 3.16 | 4.30 | 4.04 | 4.41 | 122 |
| 2012 Projections - Age 37 Season | |||||||||
| Source | IP | BB/9 | K/9 | ERA | FIP | ||||
| Bill James | 69.0 | 4.17 | 5.61 | 3.96 | 4.42 | ||||
| PECOTA | 57.0 | 4.11 | 6.16 | 4.35 | 4.34 | ||||
| ZiPS | 61.0 | 4.42 | 6.20 | 4.43 | 4.58 | ||||
Of all the non-roster invitees in Dodgers camp, I think Wright has as good a shot at anybody of making the opening day roster. There is currently one spot open the bullpen, and Wright would need to beat Blake Hawksworth (out of options), Josh Lindblom (has options), and someone like John Grabow if they decide to add a second left-handed reliever. I think Wright finds his way onto the opening day roster and puts up a 4.17 ERA in 41 innings, with 19 walks and 29 strikeouts.
What's your prediction for Wright? Give us your prediction for ERA, WHIP, and innings pitched in the comments, and feel free to add strikeouts or any other predictions you have as well.
0 recs | 281 comments
The Wrong Wright
A Play in 5 Acts
Act 1: Spring Training
Tommy Blackjack - February 21, 2012 via iPhone app
“These are the wrong trousers, Gromit!”
kinbote - February 21, 2012
I can confirm that Chad Billingsley has reported to spring training.
(along with several others judging by the cars in the parking lot)
Eric Stephen - February 21, 2012
:D
Basebaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllllllll
Tommy Blackjack - February 21, 2012 via iPhone app
Super excited about the on site reporting.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Dylan Hernandez just tweeted this
a shot of the media workroom at Camelback Ranch.
Eric Stephen - February 21, 2012
so who is the new PR guy that credentialed you?
delias man - February 21, 2012
Dodgers haven’t filled Josh Rawitch’s position. While Rawitch oversaw the credentialing, he wasn’t really involved in the day-to-day aspects of it the last few years.
Pretty much the same people I have been working with for the last few years are here, though one media relations guy left to go to the Angels.
Eric Stephen - February 21, 2012
thats good.
delias man - February 21, 2012
Who was that?
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
Adam Chodzko. He was with the Angels in 2010, I believe as an intern, then got a job with the Dodgers last year.
Eric Stephen - February 21, 2012
does anyone have the link for the tumbler full of bad Spring Training cell phone photos?
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
Ah, here we go : ) Or as they say in espanol, ya se armo : )
http://badspringtrainingtwitpics.tumblr.com/
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
That’s five dollars in the fine jar for replying to your own comment.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
if we’re implementing a fine jar, I’d like to supplement it with a douchebag jar
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
five dollars
To the fink jar
Tommy Blackjack - February 21, 2012 via iPhone app
two dollars in the swear jar for using the word fink
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
Wow! A real Steve Allen ref!
iiidown - February 21, 2012
Not that I'm a Hawk fan
but waiving him for Jamey Wright would be a disappointing move.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
Hawk is healing his wing
Tommy Blackjack - February 21, 2012 via iPhone app
Yeah, but if he’s good to go on April 5, you still have to waive him for Jamey Wright. Guerra, Jansen, Elbert, Mac, Coffey and Guerrier aren’t going anywhere.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
Wright isn’t on the 40 man though right?
Tommy Blackjack - February 21, 2012 via iPhone app
Correct. So we’d put Rubby on the 60-day and cut the out-of-options Hawk just to get Wright on the roster.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
Or simply put Hawk on the Phantom DL.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
so we start spring training with too many major league capable relief pitchers?
BaldBilly - February 21, 2012
I’ve stopped trying to figure out why Colletti does what he does.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
I predict he makes the team (Hawk not ready), resulting in an IDJ2 trade. He ends up better than Coffey.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
I see him making the team as well
64 innings pitched 3.85 ERA with only 15 strikeouts
Michael White - February 21, 2012
thats crazy
delias man - February 21, 2012
This is kinda blowing my mind right now.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
uses his opt out clause in March
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
That's kinda what I see as well, though I want to know more about Hawk's health
Part of me would almost rather have Wright than MacDougal, but that’s not happening…
underdog - February 21, 2012
Get your Phantom image ready, u-dawg.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
I endorse this message.
Little Blue Bicycle - February 21, 2012
At what point should we start the Rosterbation contest? March 1st? Just want to say going in I plan on defending my Rosterbation Title with everything I have.
Though I think Eric has an unfair advantage at this point.
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
I know everyone here loves mlbtraderumors quotes
(On list of top ten minor league deals of offseason—Pierre’s #2)
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/02/the-10-best-minor-league-deals-of-the-offseason.html
kinbote - February 21, 2012
You'll use both hands this year?
Dodgers1981 - February 21, 2012
He double dribbles.
Taylor Maricle - February 21, 2012
There is a shot for that…..
Grimjack - February 21, 2012
Even among the NRIs Wright is below Grabow so unless there’s several injuries to the pen this Spring, Wright is gonna use his opt out.
regfairfield - February 21, 2012
I forgot about The Second Lefty. Have to think Donnie will do all he can to find one, especially since the prime lefty has all of one year of success under his belt.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
I think the chances of Grabow making the team have been seriously over-estimated.
JonWeisman - February 21, 2012
Why, do you see another left hander like Ledsma being a better option?
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
Not at all. I think they go with one lefty to start than keep a second lefty who is obviously inferior to the alternatives.
JonWeisman - February 21, 2012
How much inferior is a Ledesma or Grabow to a Jamey Wright?
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
Ledezma shouldn’t even be in the conversation. Grabow, I think, is worse than Wright. Last year, in 62 1/3 innings, Grabow allowed 96 baserunners and struck out 38. That’s awful. And it wasn’t like it was all righties doing the damage.
The 2011 Dodgers had one lefty reliever on their Opening Day roster. Mahay, who was a better candidate on Feb. 21 than any of these people, did not make it.
JonWeisman - February 21, 2012
I think Mattingly agrees, at least given the options
He said while having multiple lefties was great he would prefer to have “the best arms” overall
Eric Stephen - February 21, 2012
I don’t know if I can Wright an accurate prediction
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
Did you know Ireland is the largest country in Europe? Its capital is Dublin every year.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Generalissimo Franco is still dead.
iiidown - February 21, 2012
well if he's not
I have my Zombie traps
Tommy Blackjack - February 21, 2012 via iPhone app
Roman hands and Russian fingers.
Little Blue Bicycle - February 21, 2012
That’s mean to Nolander.
Eric Stephen - February 21, 2012
I’ll put three dollars in the mean to Nolander jar
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
Reg should get his own jar for bad Coffey puns. He fears their proliferation.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
A Coffey Jar, if you will
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
Pay up
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Gonna be a long season. At least Hu was nice enough to be really bad.
regfairfield - February 21, 2012
That one might need to be a bucket.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
Not to be mean, but all these “jarring” comments are upsetting my morning coffey break…
BaldBilly - February 21, 2012
If you’re going to partake in this, you’ll have to urn it.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
I hear Coffey has a good Sanka
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
He’s no Brim Reaper.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
this is a real picture of me and my bucket
nolander - February 21, 2012
Its a good thing I'm too stupid to be insulted by it
nolander - February 21, 2012
I might want to join in…let me percolate on it for a while
BaldBilly - February 21, 2012
okay, but don’t be lait
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
don’t get yourself in such a froth!
BaldBilly - February 21, 2012
I heard you’re friends with David Lee Roth : )
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
Love this lyric
“Treat me nice, party girl.”
Name the song without looking.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
Gz N Hustlas by Snoop Dogg
delias man - February 21, 2012
No
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
Die Valkyrie by Wagner.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
it is
The Clash – Koka Kola
funkyjam - February 21, 2012
Indeed. That album is so awesome, but everyone knows that.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
yes
iv been listening to it these past few days.
funkyjam - February 21, 2012
Chris Carpenter to the Red Sox.
regfairfield - February 21, 2012
Almost had me there.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Hawk won't be ready
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
This is getting real.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Jamey is right for this role
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
It depends on his out clause
If it’s by the end of spring traning, then sure, keep him on the squad. But if it’s June 1st, might as well send him down and use Lindblom.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
Not official, but
Michael White - February 21, 2012
There you are, then. Unless he’s the drizzling shits, he’s got a good shot.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
Sure, use our fields, eat our buffets, then leave us high and dry. Ned has a way of making sure these guys don’t get away. (What would we have to do to keep him? Give him a 40 man roster spot?)
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Outright him, wait til he refuses, pay him double what you would pay Lindblom, throw up your hands and say “what can you do?”
Nolij - February 21, 2012
40 and 25 man spot
Michael White - February 21, 2012
I’m calling it right now: Lindblom will be the guy getting screwed this spring. At least Sands can still make the team. Lindblom could be solid and we’d still run out of roles. MacDougal & Coffey might’ve sealed his [short-term] fate.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
someone will get hurt, dont worry!
delias man - February 21, 2012
Third-to-fourth place is on the line.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
I disagree
There will always be open bullpen spots during the season. Lindblom is probably the first up when one opens up, Sands needs one of the starting 3 OF’s to get injured for him to have a role, and with Kemp’s history, it’s more like Ethier or Rivera getting injured.
Taylor Maricle - February 21, 2012
I’m getting swayed toward the Sands-will-make-team side. Considering he didn’t quite hit enough to assuage all fears, I think spot starter is a fair role for him (with 1b in the mix too). Now whether we’ll do this or if it’s in his best interests of development are other matters. (Sands is #2 on my “potentially shafted” list—Eo’s #3.)
kinbote - February 21, 2012
I would rather have Sands in the minors than have him as our 4th or 5th OF
Considering Gwynn will always be the defensive replacement guy.
Taylor Maricle - February 21, 2012
That leaves one bench spot open. Who gets it?
kinbote - February 21, 2012
an oeltjan type
nolander - February 21, 2012
Tough for me to see Gywnn & Oeltjen making the team.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Yeah, I don’t see that either. Oeltjen got almost zero playing time late last season.
OB12 - February 21, 2012
I would think that another infielder, like Fields, would get it.
Taylor Maricle - February 21, 2012
Especially given Hairston's ability to play OF
Taylor Maricle - February 21, 2012
He seems to have an opening if he can grab it. Sellers has an uphill climb for sure.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
I think Sellers is more likely than Sands.
The dodgers have demonstrated that if a top prospect isn’t starting in the MLB, he’s not gonna be in the MLB at all.
Besides, we already have 5 OF if you count Hairston. No need for a 6th. Might as well keep extra IF’s for when the nursing home collapses
Taylor Maricle - February 21, 2012
I like Sellers, but his main draw is his ability to play SS, which, as has been pointed out to me, is not that important due to:
a. DX2 likely riding Dee hard
b. Hairston’s ability to play SS
It’s a hard potion to defend, but I like him as an “energy” guy off the bench.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Extreme ground ball pitcher with poor control & no punchout pitch? Yes please! (Seriously, it is really easy to envision him making the team.) Grabows stands to profit as well.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Doesn't even sound phantom-ish. Alas.
I hope Lindblom pitches lights out and Wright is elsewhere in a month, but also won’t lose sleep over this.
underdog - February 21, 2012
josie
this sounds like a good deal http://www.theamericanoutlaws.com/_wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/AO-2014-World-Cup-Package-Flyer-31.pdf
delias man - February 21, 2012
it really is. Too rich for my blood, but it is probably the best way to do Brazil 2014. They’ve already filled two planes, from what I last heard.
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
i have no interest in going myself. seems like you would have a good time.
delias man - February 21, 2012
i am much more interested in the
SUPER Copa America 2016
delias man - February 21, 2012
the one that might be in America?
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
yes
delias man - February 21, 2012
hopefully my then I’ll work for a media outlet with an expense account
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
I would love to go to Brazil. Unfortunately I’m not much for soccer. How could I feign a sudden and deep interest in soccer to my wife without her getting suspicious?
kinbote - February 21, 2012
you can become all patriotic about it maybe
delias man - February 21, 2012
Worth a shot
“Honey, is that a new red, white, and blue tie?”
“Why yes it is. Just feeling very American these days. Say, that reminds me . . .”
kinbote - February 21, 2012
can you fly a flag outside your house too?
delias man - February 21, 2012
If he gets to Brazil
He’ll be at full staff
mleadman - February 21, 2012
The reasons are “natural beauty” [intentionally vague].
kinbote - February 21, 2012
brazilian women do not live up to the hype.
delias man - February 21, 2012
Party, Kalamu(sp?), Fiesta
Nolij - February 21, 2012
Brazil also has the Olympics in 2016
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
2013 confederations cup
2015 copa america
delias man - February 21, 2012
I’ve done LA ‘84 & Barcelona ’92. I’m about due :)
kinbote - February 21, 2012
be careful for the trannies
delias man - February 21, 2012
Story of my life . . .
kinbote - February 21, 2012
They are fragile
mleadman - February 21, 2012
i was taking a ferry from uruguay to argentina......
and it was a tranny convention in the waiting area. so many looked to be on PEDs too. I was never so confused in my life.
delias man - February 21, 2012
This is great.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
like baseball performance enhancing or sex performance enhancing?
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
who knows
but some of those dudes were swole
delias man - February 21, 2012
I haven’t been to one since Calgary. I really should have gone to Vancouver.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
Winter Olympics don’t count
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
you dont look that old
delias man - February 21, 2012
I look younger than 24? Thank you. :)
Nolij - February 21, 2012
I’m fudging a bit on Barcelona. I was there during the event but just passing through. I was planning on travelling further through Spain, but there were too many Americans. I switched course and headed for Scandanavia instead.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
BA Top 100 is out.
Lee at 62, Webster 95, Eo 96.
regfairfield - February 21, 2012
I nailed the top 4 in order. Thought Profar would be 5 tho.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
I’m happy with that. 3 in top 100 is pretty average. Too bad our top one isn’t higher, but it’s a start.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
The last Dodger top prospect that was that poorly ranked was Chin-Feng Chen.
regfairfield - February 21, 2012
Last year I assume Sands or Gordon was the top ranked prospect?
Michael White - February 21, 2012
Gordon
He was in the late 20s or early 30s
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
Gordon 26, Lee 89, Rubby 90.
regfairfield - February 21, 2012
They’ve always been high on Dee.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Number 14 could’ve been ours.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
The Padres only have two top-50 prospects (and low at that — #33 and #49), but 6 of the top-100.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
Can I get
People I didn’t know were on our team for $200 Alex?
Xeifrank - February 21, 2012
We’re all getting a crash course today.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Mike Wallace
Lots of rumors that he’s leaving Pittsburgh for greener pastures. Elite WR talent.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
He’s like 93
mleadman - February 21, 2012
Like.
JonWeisman - February 21, 2012
He’s not going out like Andy Rooney.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
Very nice
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
Those are kind of the obvious two. Any guesses on the rest?
Gordon, Ellis, Kemp, Andre, Rivera, Loney, Uribe, Catcher, Pitcher???
Xeifrank - February 21, 2012
Has to be Rivera behind Andre. Bad news for the Sands supporters imo.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Yeah, this. Pretty boring on paper, amirite.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
Gordon
Loney
Kemp
Andre
Rivera
Uribe
Ellis
Catcher
Pitcher
nolander - February 21, 2012
Opening Day
Gordon
Ellis
Kemp
Andre
Loney
Rivera
Uribe
AJ Ellis
Kershaw
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
I can’t see Ethier and Loney hitting back-to-back.
OB12 - February 21, 2012
Phil stacked all his righties at the softball tournament. :)
Xeifrank - February 21, 2012
I’m assuming Stauffer gets the opening day start. If Luebke gets the gig all bets are off
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
I don’t think there is any way Loney is batting sixth if a right hander is on the mound
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
This is either a vote of confidence in Loney or a deacquisition of the rest of the lineup.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Without looking I’m going to guess that from August 20th on when a RH started, Loney batted 5th most of the time.
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
2nd would be my guess as he seemed to do pretty well in that spot last season.
OB12 - February 21, 2012
1.051 OPS in 71 PA bating 2nd
.866 OPS in 191 PA batting 5th
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
this is a tough call for me. I’d really like to see if Loney can continue his success in the 2 spot, but the only problem for me is unless Kennedy or TG jr are in the lineup, your 3 LHs are in the top 4 spots. Batting Loney 6th seems like it would give more balance. Not sure how important that is or not.
uschris0304 - February 21, 2012
Looks about right. Fast guy first, scrappy white guy second, best hitters 3 and 4, overpaid OF 5, praying for a great year 1b sixth, shitacular 3b 7, OBP no power catcher 8.
UCLADodger32 - February 21, 2012
You should work in the marketing department :)
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Ticket sales would double, I tell you! Double!
UCLADodger32 - February 21, 2012
Spring football
Is 5 weeks away
bhsportsguy - February 21, 2012 via mobile
I’m excited to see what Mora can do. And really, I’ll take anything to get my attention away from this train wreck of a basketball season.
UCLADodger32 - February 21, 2012
Frank, I blame you for making me a little depressed about the season. I was all excited about the start of spring training and the opening of a new season. And then you had to go out and, like, mention who we have on our team.
UCLADodger32 - February 21, 2012
(And Lilly’s our second best starter.)
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Now thats just mean
UCLADodger32 - February 21, 2012
He could regress.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
I guess that means Dre hits cleanup
Tommy Blackjack - February 21, 2012 via iPhone app
I was expecting Ethier/Kemp/Loney in the middle.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
The good thing is that this lineup
Will be much better than the one in 2013
bhsportsguy - February 21, 2012 via mobile
Yes!
kinbote - February 21, 2012
BH must not be a Castle fan…
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
I wonder if we’ll see him at 3b this spring.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Whatever gets him in the lineup. Our infield needs some GD power.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
There’s only so much Nathan Fillion you can take.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
What’s wrong with that smug Canadian?
Grimjack - February 21, 2012
I would take any bet that the 2013 Lineup on Opening day will be superior to the 2012 opening day lineup.
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
In what way
The Dodgers have neither the prospects nor upcoming free agents to significantly upgrade their offense.
bhsportsguy - February 21, 2012 via mobile
I would sign Napoli and two OF
Outfielders include B.J. Upton, Andre Ethier, Shane Victorino, and Josh Hamilton.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
Yep, keeping Ethier and signing Upton would be a step in the right direction.
OB12 - February 21, 2012
I want Miguel Montero.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
It will happen
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
Mattingly wouldn’t commit to the rest. He said Ethier could hit cleanup against RHP, Rivera against LHP, but classified the other 6 lineup spots (outside of Dee, Kemp, pitcher) as “mix and match”
Eric Stephen - February 21, 2012
This is a frustratingly reasonable position for DX2 to take.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Already talking about Rivera as a lefty-masher. I stand by my prediction that Sands will be starting by Memorial Day.
OB12 - February 21, 2012
Let’s hope Ethier can do a good job hitting behind Kemp.
Ivdown - February 21, 2012
I think I read over the weekend
That the Dodgers cumulative OPS from their second basemen was 28th out of 30 teams last year. For comparison’s sakes, MEllis was only a few points higher. Granted, his career numbers were better, but he ain’t getting younger.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
He’s better than Sellers. I’m not sure what this complaint accomplishes. There wasn’t anybody appreciably better available.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
Paying $4 Million for just a little bit better seems like a valid complaint. Keppinger was available if Ned had waited.
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
Thank you, Phil. I was about to link to Plaschke on race as my response.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
See: not appreciably better.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
See: 4 Million
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
Keppinger has to be making at least 1.5-2M or so. I’d rather have Ellis, since he is better defensively. This is splitting hairs no matter what.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
We wouldn’t be committed to Keppinger in 2013.
The list of players that had a season like Ellis and didn’t have their careers end shortly thereafter is tiny. That’s the kind of thing that gets you an NRI the next season not a two year deal.
regfairfield - February 21, 2012
Second basemen who had an OPS+ < 70 when they were arb eligible since 1991and kept their career going
Ray Durham – Had one more nice bounce back season, retired
Mike Lansing – Stuck around for three really crappy years
Mark Lemke – Hit .187 the next year, retired
Delino DeShields – Once freed from the Dodgers was a useful player for several years.
Mickey Morandi – Hit about the same the next season, retired
Alex Cora – Has stuck around for years as a 25th man, will continue to do so forever.
Jody Reed – Hit .196 the next year, retired
Jose Lind – Stuck around for three more years, never OPS+ed over 66.
Ellis returning to any kind of productive level of play at age 35 and 36 would be basically unprecedented.
regfairfield - February 21, 2012
I appreciate this research.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Luckily for Ellis he’s been the definition of healthy so no worries about him breaking down in that area as he hits those 35 and 36 age old seasons.
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
I call BS. I bet there are plenty of mid-30s middle infielders that play solid defense with OPS+ of 80 every year of his career who continue their careers, even if last year ended up at just 68. He was terrible in the first half, but again had an OPS+ over 80 in Colorado. Factor in his solid defense and he’s a perfectly reasonable player. I would not have given him a two-year deal. I would not pay him as much as Ned offered, but I do not have a problem with him as our everyday 2B.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
If you want to selective endpoint away his Oakland time, I can knock out his first two weeks with the Rockies and he was just as bad after that.
regfairfield - February 21, 2012
He Choi’d the hell out of those two weeks
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
I’m not selecting them away. He had the worst year of his career on the heels of a very solid one, one of eight straight 80+ OPS+ in his career.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
I’m not sure you understand how age works. Were you also arguing last year that Casey Blake was going to have a season similar to 2009 instead of 2010?
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
Jeff Kent and Jamey Carroll were doin alright at an old age… I dont know if they qualify for this convo, im confused. Anyways, if nothing else, im with you Nolij that I rather have Ellis too.
uschris0304 - February 21, 2012
Probably a very good reason why Ellis stayed on 1 team his whole career until last year, and why Keppinger is already on his 6th team at 31 years old.
uschris0304 - February 21, 2012
I’ve always been a fan of Mark Ellis. If we had signed him for a small one-year deal I’d have no problem with it. Shoot, if we had signed Kelly Johnson when Eric suggested it back when, we wouldn’t be in this [specific] mess.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
We were all fans when he was good
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
Kent is a HOF player
do not confuse him with any of the players in this discussion.
delias man - February 21, 2012
9 second baseman
have been able to garner more then 400 at bats since testing began in 2004.
Several HOF, Kent, Biggio
Brett Boone in 2004 still living off the steroid effect.
Our own Jamey Carroll
The diminutive Mr. Eckstein
Jose Valentin
Ray Durham
and
old Mr. Grundy
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
Oops
>= age 35
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
Isn’t it interesting that Kent, Carroll, Valentin, and Grundy were all Dodgers?
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
I’m going to say Yes.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
well I dont know, but last 3 years Ellis has hit 292, 342 Obp 767 ops in 219… so I probably would bat him 2nd, infront of Kemp will only help him maybe stay close to these numbers.
uschris0304 - February 21, 2012
I don’t have a problem with Mark Ellis being our 2nd baseman in 2012, I simply have a problem with the contract. It will be fun to watch his defensive exploits if he still has those chops. But a two year deal was simply ridiculous at every level.
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
right, I dont think anyone likes the contract he got. Guess we’ll see what happens.
uschris0304 - February 21, 2012
That was eight names.
Grudzielanek seems like a pretty comparable player. One reason why there haven’t been a lot of older 2Bs is that they tend to not be very good. They age, just like everybody else does. Sometimes they have bad years and bounce back and sometimes they’re through. We will see.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
Grudzielanek was an awful, terrible player on his last year with the Dodgers. He also came nowhere near the 70 OPS+ range.
regfairfield - February 21, 2012
And he bounced back to have several productive seasons in KC.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
looks like 6 productive seasons, 2 with Cubs, then Stl for 1, then 3 with KC
uschris0304 - February 21, 2012
Grudzielanek was 33, not 35 and at his worst his OPS+ was 81.
regfairfield - February 21, 2012
2012 – 1.5 for Keppinger
2012 + 2013 = 8 Million for Mark Ellis
I don’t consider this splitting hairs. The Dodgers will be eating Mark Ellis’s contract.
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
Matt Treanor is as interesting as AJ Ellis. While many find these profiles an exercise in futility, the writers of each profile learn something they did not know before they started the profile. Possible only 10% of you are actually reading the profile, but I think you are missing something.
I had no idea Wright was a ground ball machine.
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
I didn’t realize how many relief innings he’d thrown the last few years.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
I didn’t realize how many innings he threw period. For some reason, I thought he was basically out of baseball.
OB12 - February 21, 2012
Like Jaret Wright?
Nolij - February 21, 2012
Perhaps I wasn’t thinking fo the Wright one.
OB12 - February 21, 2012
Wilbur and Orville would know.
iiidown - February 21, 2012
Seattle’s pretty close ;)
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Question: Is the active roster the same as the 40 man roster?
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Active roster = 25 man roster
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
Seems likely [to me] he’ll be on an opening day roster somewhere.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
It’s the same until MLB requires you to trim to 25 before Opening Day.
JonWeisman - February 21, 2012
Actually, let me clarify – players will start to be optioned in March before the roster is cut to 25. But the active roster can be over 25 until the regular season begins.
JonWeisman - February 21, 2012
Thank you.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
BTW, you deserve credit for calling the Cormier addition last spring. He was a longshot but you nailed it. Thoughts on this guy?
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Thoughts on which guy?
JonWeisman - February 21, 2012
The man of the post
Taylor Maricle - February 21, 2012
Sorry—Wright.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Oh, I think with Hawksworth out there’s a job for him if he pitches adequately in Spring Training. Lindblom of course deserves it but has options.
In case you guys missed it, my annual Spring Training Primer is out today.
DT link for comments: http://bit.ly/Aioqnu
Full story at ESPNLA: http://es.pn/xmzZKw
JonWeisman - February 21, 2012
Thought we just learned Blake will be out longer then expected which is why we are even having the discussion about the last bullpen spot.
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
Right, that’s what I’m saying. The Hawksworth absence opens the door for Wright.
JonWeisman - February 21, 2012
I’m hoping Angel Guzman slams the door on Wright
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
You’re over Lindsay?
Nolij - February 21, 2012
I think he will be fun this spring but probably has little chance to make the team out of spring training. He is the ultimate “wild” card.
Seems like no one is giving Bellisario a shot.
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
Hey, I forgot about that guy.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Mediocre righty relief pitcher #14 prediction:
ERA: 4.23
IP: 20
Taylor Maricle - February 21, 2012
1.38 WHIP
Taylor Maricle - February 21, 2012
I'm bullish on Sands
When I interviewed DeJon, he was positive about a lot of players, but the level of positivity with Sands, I felt, was among the highest. I think he thinks that Sands really had made tangible improvements by September – more so than Gordon, for example.
I don’t know if that means Sands breaks camp with the team, but I do think there’s a sincere hope that he can be a valuable piece of this year’s team in 2012.
JonWeisman - February 21, 2012
Great to hear. Young power hitters are what we need more of on this team.
kinbote - February 21, 2012
poor guy had to rebuild his swing mid-season and seems to have been successful, glad dejon gave the man his props
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - February 21, 2012
Evidently DeJon only caught his home games in the minors and majors
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
About lefty relievers ...
As I commented above, the Dodgers’ 2011 Opening Day roster only had one lefty reliever. That was Kuo, who of course, was not a LOOGY but a guy who was the primary set-up man, if not the first option for closer if something happened to Broxton and Padilla.
So I really don’t think having two lefty relievers is going to be a priority for Mattingly. Elbert, assuming he doesn’t implode this spring, would suffice unless someone like Grabow really has a knockout spring.
JonWeisman - February 21, 2012
Too bad Coffey got killed by lefties last year (.338/.404/.463). I’m trying to find the RH reliever who fared best against LH hitters (besides Jansen who nobody could touch).
kinbote - February 21, 2012
Sure as hell was not Lindblom!!!!!!!!!
Yikes
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
so he destroys righties and gets hurt by lefties
or this is just sss nonsense
nolander - February 21, 2012
Matt Guerrier seemed to be equally effective
Phil Gurnee - February 21, 2012
Mattingly stated specifically that he was comfortable with MacDougal against LHB
Eric Stephen - February 21, 2012
Scabby was sure kicked to the curb when he had a mediocre spring last year.
Nolij - February 21, 2012
deliasman
and anyone else interested:
The Rock will be on Raw next week.
Ivdown - February 21, 2012
Wrestlemania is getting pretty loaded.
Cena vs. Rock
Taker vs. HHH (Hell in a Cell)
Punk vs. Jericho
Bryan vs. Sheamus
I’m not paying for it, of course, but hopefully some of these will pop up on YouTube.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
Cena vs Rock? Arent they both “good guys”?? Does Rock still have his same intro song from back in the day? I loved his intro song.
uschris0304 - February 21, 2012
Dude, people HATE Cena even though he’s a face. And it’s going to happen in Miami – Rock’s hometown.
Rocky’s had a billion different intros; it’s a little different now.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
its cause he does that stupid arm waving in front of face thing
seriously what the hell is the deal with that
nolander - February 21, 2012
U can’t see him.
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
yes i can
nolander - February 21, 2012
well, does it atleast still have that “The Rock Says, The Rock, The Rock Says” haha, I dont remember how it goes, but hope that part is atleast still in his intro.
uschris0304 - February 21, 2012
I think it goes, “If ya smellllllllllllllllllllllllllllll………what The Rock……..is cookin’”
silverwidow - February 21, 2012
yeah, thats how it starts lol
uschris0304 - February 21, 2012
My favorite one :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibsOsqwjsp0&feature=related
Ivdown - February 21, 2012
His first “if ya smell” was the best one.
And the thing that sort of sucks is that Cena will win because he is the current wrestler, although there’s a rumor this could be a best of 3 match, going to summerslam and another PPV later.
Ivdown - February 21, 2012
Yeah it’s going to be pretty awesome, too bad Orton is injured and Barrett may have broken his arm, that rivalry could have been good at Wrestlemania. I can’t wait to see the Rock next week after Cena blasted him last night.
Ivdown - February 21, 2012
will he get raw on raw?
Josie Becker - February 21, 2012
new post up for now
http://www.truebluela.com/2012/2/21/2814578/clayton-kershaw-dodgers-opening-day-starter
Eric Stephen - February 21, 2012
For now?
JonWeisman - February 21, 2012
Ha, I meant there will be more too
Eric Stephen - February 21, 2012
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