Well, I’m pretty sure we are keeping Melendez around. That’s ok. I don’t actually have a problem with Melendez, and I do think he has a chance to breakout a bit. I don’t see a star….but I see an average to above average mlb hitter. The bigger issue I have is just making it fit. Unless his defense is much improved….and now we are talking about two ifs for this player going into the year. He needs to be a DH. But if you are going to be a DH, you gotta rake. My issues is more with the organization continuing to plug a square peg in a round hole. And I get it, you’re not looking to sell low on a guy. But I do think if he comes out hot….he still needs to be moved. Don’t think it ever happens anymore….and this conversation continues on. I just don’t love Melendez, Velasquez, and Renfoe in the outfield if we are preaching pitching and defense. But at least Q has options. Better options than last year.
It's encouraging at least that ZiPS sees Melendez bouncing back offensively, but he *really* needs to at least hit that median projection or better to even be an average player with how terrible he is defensively.
David, are you surprised Drew Waters name isn’t mentioned more for an outfield spot? Are we sure he isn’t the best option of Melendez, Velasquez, or Renfroe in the corner outfield spot? It’s actually a little scary how similar Melendez, Renfroe and Waters stats are from last year. From an overall complete baseball player picture….I’m not sure Waters couldn’t end up being the better of the three this year. A bit of an out there prediction if you will….but man someone in the outfield needs to do something. Lol.
Not really. He’s never shown as much with the bat as Melendez has professionally and he also hasn’t shown he can be counted on to stay on the field. I’m not saying he shouldn’t be under consideration, but Melendez had a league average season offensively as a rookie, was terrible in the first half last year and then was legitimately good in the second half. After being a monster in AA and AAA the year before his call up. Waters doesn’t have that resume.
I think Melendez is going to break out this season and I hope he solidifies the outfield as well.
Well, I’m pretty sure we are keeping Melendez around. That’s ok. I don’t actually have a problem with Melendez, and I do think he has a chance to breakout a bit. I don’t see a star….but I see an average to above average mlb hitter. The bigger issue I have is just making it fit. Unless his defense is much improved….and now we are talking about two ifs for this player going into the year. He needs to be a DH. But if you are going to be a DH, you gotta rake. My issues is more with the organization continuing to plug a square peg in a round hole. And I get it, you’re not looking to sell low on a guy. But I do think if he comes out hot….he still needs to be moved. Don’t think it ever happens anymore….and this conversation continues on. I just don’t love Melendez, Velasquez, and Renfoe in the outfield if we are preaching pitching and defense. But at least Q has options. Better options than last year.
Great work as always David. I appreciate the content and you putting up with my comments.
It's encouraging at least that ZiPS sees Melendez bouncing back offensively, but he *really* needs to at least hit that median projection or better to even be an average player with how terrible he is defensively.
David, are you surprised Drew Waters name isn’t mentioned more for an outfield spot? Are we sure he isn’t the best option of Melendez, Velasquez, or Renfroe in the corner outfield spot? It’s actually a little scary how similar Melendez, Renfroe and Waters stats are from last year. From an overall complete baseball player picture….I’m not sure Waters couldn’t end up being the better of the three this year. A bit of an out there prediction if you will….but man someone in the outfield needs to do something. Lol.
Not really. He’s never shown as much with the bat as Melendez has professionally and he also hasn’t shown he can be counted on to stay on the field. I’m not saying he shouldn’t be under consideration, but Melendez had a league average season offensively as a rookie, was terrible in the first half last year and then was legitimately good in the second half. After being a monster in AA and AAA the year before his call up. Waters doesn’t have that resume.