I hope Vientos can clear his head and get back to what he showed he can do, hit. Let's face it, he doesn't get penciled in the lineup for exceptional defense. If this continues through July, time for the bench!
Every time I see Zach Wheeler's name in Around the League, a little tear slides down my cheek.
Anyway, Justin is spot on with Vientos: his issue is the slider. He gets beat on it consistently, which is bad considering how many major league pitchers throw a good one. Until he shows he can hit it or lay off it if it's out of the zone, he's going to get eaten alive.
At least with Mauricio and Baty we have alternatives to Vientos. A regular CFer is the most pressing need other than pitching. Taylor's glove is keeping him out there but he can't hit a lick. Fix Vientos and we get another power hitter; fix Taylor and we get a singles hitter at best.
While the #3 spot in the lineup isn't quite an abyss, the player has a career BA of .288 with men on base and just .177 for 2025, per Baseball Reference.
THey also list his BA in high leverage ABs is .277 for his career and just .229 so far this season.
While his overall stats are good, he's not delivering when needed as often as his career stats indicate he's capable of. They could use peak Soto for the 2nd half.
I'm not sure I'd even label it as a problem. It's just something that could be improved on to historical levels without looking for anything he hasn't done before
I'm curious what you and Kevin Rogers think about Soto's fielding. I don't watch every inning of every game but aside from one play, I haven't seen him botch anything.
I also don't watch every inning of every game. I've seen him misjudge a couple, and his arm to the plate is erratic...meaning I've seen a couple of real strong throws and one or two that came in on 3-4 hops, where maybe he should have hit the cutoff man. I think his fielding is, at best, average or maybe a tad below. That's just my very unqualified opinion; don't take it to the bank.
Ref: "They’re bound to upgrade at one position at least with both third and centerfield presenting a glaring need"
Thomas' glove in a D needy position earns him playing time. His D with a league average bat would be a welcome addition. I think 3B is the more likely 'upgrade', even if it's a rental.
I hope Vientos can clear his head and get back to what he showed he can do, hit. Let's face it, he doesn't get penciled in the lineup for exceptional defense. If this continues through July, time for the bench!
Every time I see Zach Wheeler's name in Around the League, a little tear slides down my cheek.
Anyway, Justin is spot on with Vientos: his issue is the slider. He gets beat on it consistently, which is bad considering how many major league pitchers throw a good one. Until he shows he can hit it or lay off it if it's out of the zone, he's going to get eaten alive.
True....Alonzo had....and still has to a lesser degree, a weakness for the outside slider. It is tempting
How much longer can they wait for Vientos? Alvarez was sent down, why not Vientos? Time to stop deluding ourselves.
I really hope punting on this game doesn't come back to bite them in September.
At least with Mauricio and Baty we have alternatives to Vientos. A regular CFer is the most pressing need other than pitching. Taylor's glove is keeping him out there but he can't hit a lick. Fix Vientos and we get another power hitter; fix Taylor and we get a singles hitter at best.
While the #3 spot in the lineup isn't quite an abyss, the player has a career BA of .288 with men on base and just .177 for 2025, per Baseball Reference.
THey also list his BA in high leverage ABs is .277 for his career and just .229 so far this season.
While his overall stats are good, he's not delivering when needed as often as his career stats indicate he's capable of. They could use peak Soto for the 2nd half.
Yes, but I'd file Soto under "the least of our problems".
Just wait for his second half. He won't like being left off the All-Star squad. I very much like the idea of Soto with a chip on his shoulder.
I'm not sure I'd even label it as a problem. It's just something that could be improved on to historical levels without looking for anything he hasn't done before
I'm curious what you and Kevin Rogers think about Soto's fielding. I don't watch every inning of every game but aside from one play, I haven't seen him botch anything.
I also don't watch every inning of every game. I've seen him misjudge a couple, and his arm to the plate is erratic...meaning I've seen a couple of real strong throws and one or two that came in on 3-4 hops, where maybe he should have hit the cutoff man. I think his fielding is, at best, average or maybe a tad below. That's just my very unqualified opinion; don't take it to the bank.
I say give Mauricio/Baty a good run at 3rd/2nd. There's a lot of talent there. Vientos has become an automatic out.
Ref: "They’re bound to upgrade at one position at least with both third and centerfield presenting a glaring need"
Thomas' glove in a D needy position earns him playing time. His D with a league average bat would be a welcome addition. I think 3B is the more likely 'upgrade', even if it's a rental.
Vientos: does he have any options left?
Google tells me that Vientos is out of options meaning if they wanted to send him down he would have to clear waivers, which is unlikely
Correct. He’s out of options
Is it correct that if he agrees to go to Syracuse he doesn't have to go through waivers?