Archive for the ‘Rob Neyer’ Category
In his latest article for ESPN.com, the always incomparable Rob Neyer compiles his list of the top 50 major leaguers over the next 5 years. And who, you may ask, is at the top of that list? Number 5 in your programs, number 1 in your hearts, our very own David Wright.
Neyer states:
Great hitter, good fielder, fine baserunner … and last year, at 24, he was the best player in the National League.
Also appearing on the list: Newly acquired Johan Santana coming in at number 5. Jose Reyes, fittingly, at number 7 and Carlos Beltran at number 26.
Great piece by Neyer, who has never been shy about his affection for Wright. Surprised Beltran made the list given his age and health problems. Also would’ve liked to have seen John Maine on the list, but i suppose he’ll need at least another good season to know last year was not a fluke.
Sphere: Related ContentIn a recent chat on ESPN.com, baseball analyst Rob Neyer answered questions from readers.
The only question about the Mets was:
Andrew (London): Rob, can you explain to me why the Mets won’t approach Barry Bonds, other than the Wilpons aversion to controversy? Have him split time with Endy Chavez/Marlon Anderson until Alou is healthy - when he is, platoon them on a left/right split, since neither can play 100 games - and they’d have an OPS of almost 1.100. Isn’t this a no-brainer, considering how cheap Bonds would come relative to his performance?
To which Neyer answered:
Rob Neyer: I don’t think New York is the best venue for Bonds at this point. Remember the Worst Team That Money Could Buy?
I swear that Andrew who asked the question isn’t me. Bonds is a great hitter, but I don’t want him on my team. Especially because we need a righty.
Also in the chat, this made me laugh:
chris (michigan): Okay Rob, ESPN trades for another blogger and makes you their “utility player” to earn the rest of your 3yr-$19million contract. Do you ask to be traded to CNNSI or happily get coffee for Keith Law and take out Peter Gammons’ trash waiting for a finger injury to put you into starting lineup again?
Rob Neyer: I ask for the trade, but if that doesn’t happen I do the best I can. But see, the difference between me and a professional athlete is that in the back of my mind I’m just a heartbeat away from delivering pizzas. Joe Major Leaguer is set for life, which does alter one’s outlook.
I really enjoy reading what Neyer writes, he’s a collegue of Bill James in the school of Sabermetrics, which I support.
Also, this is something I came across recently in Neyer’s blog, which I find fascinating: Observational Analysis.
Sphere: Related ContentFrom today's ESPN chat…
the real deal or do we need to trade for Zito now? I'll trade for
Willis but I'm not so sure about 2 month rental Zito.
Rob Neyer: (1:06 PM ET )
If you're the Mets, you have to worry a bit about your No. 4 starter in
October. But I think Maine or Hernandez will be good enough, and if I
were them I wouldn't do a thing to the rotation.
Jake (VA Beach): Rob, why wouldn't you make the move
for Zito if Billy Beane is truthful in only needing Milledge in return?
Aren't OF prospects the easiest to replace, and the Mets are one of the
few teams who can afford to make sure it's more than a rental at
season's end.
Rob Neyer: (1:10 PM ET )
Because the Mets have a huge lead, and giving up Milledge isn't worth
the tiny increase in your World Series chances that Zito would give
you. Now, it's different if trading for Zito gives you a great
increased chance at signing him to a long-term contract. This is
complicated stuff, huh.
Earlier today we posted a link to Metsblog where Matt recalled a comment by Rob Neyer of ESPN.com calling Jose Reyes as “one of the worst everyday players in baseball.” Here are Neyer's comments on Reyes a little over a year later…
on-base percentage, he's one hell of a player. I would argue that
almost any shortstop with a .350 on-base percentage — if he's got a
decent glove and/or has more than just a touch of power — is going to
be a hell of a player.
I happen to think the jury's still out on Reyes'
defense, but the power's there so I don't have any argument with the
guy.
effectiveness. If you play 161 games and lead off in nearly all of them
– as Reyes did last season — you're going to score an impressive
number of runs almost by default.
In context, though, Reyes' 99 runs in
2005 really aren't impressive at all. This season is different, at
least so far. If he does maintain his OBP and his power — or close to
it — Reyes certainly will rank as one of the top leadoff men of this
young century. And he's only 23.
Thats quite a change of heart by Neyer.
Sphere: Related ContentCheck out this great post on Metsblog where Matt takes us back in time to a comment Rob Neyer made about Jose Reyes being one of the worst players in baseball.
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