C/1B

by CaptainPenny on Feb 18, 2006 9:55 PM EST

One thing I have been wondering about (and I think it reflects nicely on the team's depth/flexibility): There has been significant discussion that Shoppach might do well enough to allow Victor to get some rest and play a little first base. But suppose Shoppach does really well and the Indians start thinking about giving Victor significant playing time at 1B. What might happen with Garko in this scenario?? And a related question - is there any indication that Shoppach can play 1B?

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Re: C/1B

We talked about this a little earlier, and I think as good as Victor is, his offensive performance would be a lot less valuable at 1B than it is behind the plate.

I haven't heard anything about Shoppach at 1B, but as bad as Boston was there last year, if they thought he could play there I bet they would have given it a shot.

by mkwng @ Let's Go Tribe! on Feb 18, 2006 10:00 PM EST reply actions

Re: C/1B

Victor nor Shoppach will be a full-time first baseman in the next 4-6 years.

Garko project to be a good hitter, but not a core player. He definitely projects as more an an impact 1B than Shoppach, and Shoppach at 1B is not going to be an option. If Mike Aubrey is healthy, I don't think Garko can even hold off Aubrey.

Victor can drop 100 points in OPS and still be a top 15 caliber catcher. That indicates just how far above the league his production at catcher really is, and just how much the Indians will let him decline. A .750OPS at catcher is very acceptable. At first base, it's just not an option.

Shoppach is lucky if he's a .250 hitter at the major league level. Maybe he'll hit 20HRs, but at first base, that's basically Ben Broussard. Some team will offer a lot to get him...

I doubt Shoppach will even be an Indian much longer than a year or two, if that.

Honestly, the backup catcher has very little chance to influece the game. Yes, it's a necessity to have a capable backup in case the starter goes down, but Shoppach has enough value that he could be used as a trading chip in a decent deal.

His value is huge now after the monster year he had. If the right deal came along, the Indians would and should make the move.

by rick @ Let's Go Tribe! on Feb 19, 2006 2:27 AM EST reply actions

Re: C/1B

Your scenario comes down to Shoppach outhitting Garko (or Broussard). I agree with Rick, that will not happen. I don't see any reason why Garko can't be a viable low cost 1b for the next few years.

I'm not holding out too much hope for Aubrey's back; if it's not improved this year, Head will probably pass him.

But you're right that if Shoppach bat and glove are above-average, he may play a few more games than most backups. There is value there.

If we trade Shoppach, who's the backup? Laker?

by dgcambridge on Feb 19, 2006 2:20 PM EST reply actions