Another possible outfielder target?

by cheech99 on Jan 8, 2006 11:12 AM EST

Just browsing through a few chatroom boards, there was some talk that yet another possible outfielder target might be Jorge Piedra from the Rockies.

Another left-handed hitter who has played some center field and some left field with what seems to be league average defense. Of course, there's the Coors effect which has ballooned his home stats and severely diminished his road stats.

Admittedly, this sounds like Ryan Langerhans-lite to me. And it seems like this guy would be close to the same service time as Langerhans. Anyone know anything about this guy? I confess that I had never heard of him before I heard his name come up in a blog.

For what it's worth, the Rockies have had noted interest in Josh Bard, but that would seem to be out the window since they have Torrealba (sorry, I don't feel like looking up the correct spelling). Matt Miller was also a name mentioned.

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Re: Another possible outfielder target?

Yeah, I think you nailed it. He's a fourth outfielder in waiting. I certainly wouldn't deal Matt Miller for him.

by Ryan on Jan 8, 2006 12:00 PM EST reply actions

Re: Another possible outfielder target?

Piedra has had steroid and attitude problems...

Not exactly a fit for the Cleveland character initiative...

by rick @ Let's Go Tribe! on Jan 8, 2006 3:49 PM EST reply actions

Re: Another possible outfielder target?

Although if your a main part of the bullpen, you can slide through with the steroid part...

Wasn't Betancourt supposed to come out with the "real story" to free his name of any wrong doing?

by rick @ Let's Go Tribe! on Jan 8, 2006 3:51 PM EST reply actions

Re: Another possible outfielder target?

He said he never took steroids, and he did turn everything he had been taking over to the union or the league. I doubt anyone considers it a big priority to clear his name. If he has a good 2006, he'll be a very valued player, if not, he won't. A past steroids test won't have anything to do with it. Not to mention, he won't be a free agent until 2010.

by Jay on Jan 8, 2006 3:58 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Another possible outfielder target?

I'd hate to trade Matt Miller. That said, I don't know why the Rockies would trade Piedra. He seems like a very solid contributor to me, young and cheap. Limited to LF but very solid there, not a power hitter but a legit contact hitter with real plate discipline. You could do a lot worse.

by Jay on Jan 8, 2006 3:56 PM EST reply actions