Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

by Ryan on Mar 1, 2007 8:27 AM EST in News

Houston at Cleveland, 1:05 PM (WTAM)

Jake Westbrook is slated to start. Concurrent with his start are a slew of articles on his pending free agency. Paul Hoynes reports that negotiations haven't begun yet, although they will take place sometime during Spring Training. The Indians have started talks with CC Sabathia, so I'd think that the front office would like to know where they stand with CC before committing any future money to Westbrook.

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Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

For those of you who have mlb.tv, the WTAM broadcast of this is on GameDay Audio.

by zempf on Mar 1, 2007 9:22 AM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

The game is also scheduled to be carried by XM on channel 176.

by Fiddlesticks on Mar 1, 2007 12:52 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Is the gameday thnig not showing up till the game starts? I don't see it...

Hmmm. This interface bites right now.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 12:59 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Found it. That was way more trouble than necessary.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 1:02 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

But it feels good to hear Hammy's voice, doesn't it.

by APV on Mar 1, 2007 1:05 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

No doubt. Low quality though huh? At least I'm not tempted to watch the video since I'm at work. That's going to be a constant struggle this year.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 1:06 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Sadly, this was the quality last year and it looks like it hasn't been improved.

by mkwng @ Let's Go Tribe! on Mar 1, 2007 2:12 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I only had the mlbtv last year. this audio is bizarrely low quality. I don't know the technical details, but it seems like it could be better than this.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 2:25 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

MLB says Gameday Audio streams will be 16K. But this audio does sound crappy, even for them.

by mkwng @ Let's Go Tribe! on Mar 1, 2007 2:46 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I guess my feeling is it's worse than a regular radio, which seems absurd.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 2:47 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

No kidding. I just heard a SWAAAANG and a miss and it brought a hell of a smile to my face.

by zempf on Mar 1, 2007 1:09 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Ok, I still can't find it (but then I'm multitasking at work).

Where is it? Thanks

by zigsmom on Mar 1, 2007 1:06 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Go to the "Multimedia Guide" link

by APV on Mar 1, 2007 1:08 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp#20070301

should see it there.

Hammy: WELCOME back to another season of Cleveland Indians baseball.

Ahhhhh.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 1:08 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Thanks - both of you.

by zigsmom on Mar 1, 2007 1:10 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

There was a little speaker icon next to the score on the very front page of MLB.com for me. Couldn't be easier.

by mkwng @ Let's Go Tribe! on Mar 1, 2007 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

You know what would make this game better? If someone in the media actually reported on the Clemens situation.

<sarc>

Wait 'til next year... or something like that

by Brad D on Mar 1, 2007 9:52 AM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Ingraham says today:

Clearly, it will take the largest contract the Indians have ever given to a pitcher to keep Westbrook in Cleveland.

"The numbers matter," he said. "You want to be slotted where you fit with other guys, but there are a lot of factors that go into this decision. I am very comfortable here. It's the longest I've ever been with a team. It's a nice comfortable feeling here."

by mkwng @ Let's Go Tribe! on Mar 1, 2007 10:19 AM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I'm guessing that it would take about 4 year extension worth about 50 mil to keep Westbrook here. This type of extension would give westbrook about Meche money over the same period of time. Since Westbrook is clearly superior to Meche, this seems about fair. With another healthy season, Westbrook can easily get a 5 year deal (65 mil?) on the open market.

So yes, it would be the largest contract ever given to a pitcher by the tribe. I'm glad they talked to CC first, just to show CC respect, but we all know that is not going to happen. I'm OK with that as much as I'll ever be. If two more years of CC proving himself worthy of the monster bucks (and man does he seem to want it) is what we have to settle for, that should be plenty of performance.

by oxforddave on Mar 1, 2007 10:38 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I think from Westbrook's standpoint a 4-year extension should seem like a good idea. That would put him on the free agent market again entering his 34-year old season, which, if he stays healthy during that time, should land him another nice multi-year contract. I find it a little strange though that when you look at his similar pitchers through age 28 (via B-Ref), very few of them pitched much past 30. And aside from the still active ones (Pavano, Schmidt, Eaton), those that did had a pretty terrible time of it (Nagy, Sele).

by APV on Mar 1, 2007 11:02 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I think using Meche as a starting point is a poor idea. The GM likens Meche to Carpenter in his minor league track record, stuff and struggles into the middle portion of his career. In addition to that, Meche is entering his age 29 season in the first year of his contract, Westbrook on the other hand will be entering the age 31 season in the first year of his contract/extension.

Furthering this, while Westbrook has been much more durable their career NRA's and ERA+ are quite similar. PECOTA however, projects Meche to fade hard while Westbrook maintains his current level for the next 5 seasons (more or less).

Depending on the market and Jake's performance, I would project Westbrook's contract to fall closer to Ted Lilly's then Gil Meche's.

Governor's Cup in '07!

by Brandini on Mar 1, 2007 2:22 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

IMO, for a market like the Indians, I say pour all that we can into resigning C.C. and let Westbrook (not as good as C.C.) and Pronk (one of the best hitters in baseball, but likely would be an albatross at the end of the contract) go.

And I say we get to C.C. BEFORE he puts up the league-recognized numbers he's capable of, like 18-20 wins.

by nickjs21 on Mar 1, 2007 11:44 AM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I agree with puting the focus on C.C. We probably can't afford to extend both CC and Jake anyway but I'm not sure it makes sense even if we could. I thought the plan was to keep the pipeline full of talent so that we can let some impending free agents go. Well the pipeline is full and we need to make room for Carmona, Miller et al if we really believe in the strategy. Also, even though I like Westbrook, I think I like him a lot less than most people on this board (and other Tribe fans in general). I'd hate to see Pronk go and would kep him if we could get a favorable contract but C.C., in my mind, is #1 priority.

by exileincincy on Mar 1, 2007 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

That's fine, but make no mistake, C.C. is fully recognized by the league. He's no secret, that time is long past.

by dgcambridge on Mar 1, 2007 12:17 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Why do think he'd be an albatross? Even if he's signed through his Age 36 season, I don't see much dropoff in his offensive value. There's no position for him to age out of, and if anything, his plate discipline should allow his bat to age gracefully. I look at Hafner as the left-handed Edgar Martinez, and Edgar was a really good hitter almost to the end of his career.

by Ryan on Mar 1, 2007 12:19 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I could be wrong, but I think Hafner's dropoff will be a rapid one.

by nickjs21 on Mar 1, 2007 12:57 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Pronk is in a category of all-around great hitters -- great contact, great pitch recognition, great power. Fact is, his raw power may be the least of those three attributes in his case. I think his power comes more from his eyes and coordination than his raw strength. And it seems to me that all-around great hitters age rather well -- thinking about Thome, Giambi, Palmeiro, Bonds, etc. Even disregarding the steroids.

by Jay on Mar 1, 2007 5:26 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

True, and obviously I hope you're right. Still, assuming it's C.C. or Pronk, and not both, I'll take C.C.

by nickjs21 on Mar 1, 2007 6:36 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Actually, Baseball-Reference now has Pitch Data available on their website (maybe they've had it for awhile, but I just noticed it) and Hafner's Contact% is fairly pedestrian. That in no way is meant to suggest he's bad, just pointing it out. Now Victor Martinez, now there's someone with good and consistent contact skills.

by APV on Mar 1, 2007 8:50 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I'm not sure what your definition of "making contact" is, but Hafner has batted .311, .308 and .305 the past three seasons, and more than half his hits go for extra bases. I'd say he's a little better than pedestrian at making good contact.

by Jay on Mar 1, 2007 9:07 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I'm just going off B-Ref's data for the percentage of time he swung the bat and hit the ball (so not good contact, just contact). Last year's players on the team with 100ABs:

Inglett: 85%
Victor: 84%
Blake: 83%
Luna: 83%
Sizemore: 82%
Belliard: 80%
Boone: 80%
Michaels: 80%
Garko: 80%
Gutierrez: 79%
Broussard: 77%
Hollandsworth: 76%
Peralta: 73%
Hafner: 73%
Choo: 70%
Shoppach: 62%

by APV on Mar 1, 2007 9:44 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

80% is supposed to be good ... 80% plus 16% walk rate equals a .300 hitter, says Ron Shandler.

by nickjs21 on Mar 1, 2007 10:43 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Okay. Now which one of us is going to tell Travis he should change his approach at the plate, because he apparently swings too much?

by Jay on Mar 2, 2007 11:30 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I'll do it while wearing a "wrestling is fake" t-shirt.

by nickjs21 on Mar 2, 2007 7:29 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I think they'll try hard to keep both CC and Jake. But if the effort is successful, and they both stay, I think that'll give us a chance to trade Cliff Lee for a couple of good prospects, either in season (if our youngsters do well) or at year end; his age, outsized reputation (see Phillips, Steve) and very club-friendly deal could make him highly desirable. The usual starting pitchers, like those being dangled this spring are older (Lieber), have an injury history (Penny) and/or are very expensive (or will be shortly, ie Willis). Cliff Lee could be an exceptional trade chip.

Arizona, just for one example, has many good young players and shaky starting pitching beyond Webb. Cliff could really help them.

by MTF on Mar 1, 2007 12:27 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I really have no problem dangling C. Lee if we extend both Jake and CC but I'm one of those idiots who keep expecting Cliffs breakout and feeling that ultimately he'll be a better pitcher than Westbrook.

by exileincincy on Mar 1, 2007 12:33 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Vintage Jake there. 1-2-3, strikes, strikes, strikes.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 1:11 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Good to hear that WTAMs commercials haven't changed any during the off-season (sarc)

by APV on Mar 1, 2007 1:12 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Just quoted Wedge as saying Barfield will bat either 8th or 9th this year.

Guess that's set.

Anybody remember when Barfield pushed his dad down the stairs? Weird.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 1:15 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

According to Wikipedia, that was Jeremy Barfield, Josh's brother (and a 2006 draftee of the Mets).

by zempf on Mar 1, 2007 1:17 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Oops.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 1:19 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I would think that to add 3 years to CC current contract we would be looking at least 80M for the a 5 year deal. Would it not be better to keep CC for the next two years and add 44M to 50M for Westbrook. That way we have two year to look at a replacement for CC?

Fan in Texas

by fanintexas on Mar 1, 2007 1:27 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Peralta in great shape, apparently.

Marte was on offseason conditioning? Didn't realize.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 1:32 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Garko wil not stop hitting...

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 1:35 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Oh, Victor. Swoon.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 1:58 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Sounded great downunder!!!

by new zealand tribe fan on Mar 1, 2007 2:01 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

There's a fun article up on ESPN.com about David Wells and Greg Maddux (two of my favorites) and their perceived differences and similarities. The whole article is worth a read but I especially like these two paragraphs:

Maddux? For a guy with a CPA's demeanor, he has a sense of humor that a 12-year-old would envy. Maddux is a master of strategically timed nose picking, sidling up to an unsuspecting rookie in the shower and urinating on the kid's leg, and inventing just the right nickname for a teammate with big ears, a prominent schnozz or some other pronounced physical qualities.

"I call him 'The Silent Scumbag,'" Wells said. "You would perceive him to be Einstein because he's quiet and he's always sitting there at his locker with a crossword puzzle. But he's got a silent sickness to him, sort of like David Cone. Those quiet guys are the ones you have to watch out for."

So Maddux is the guy who pees on your leg in the locker room, huh?

by APV on Mar 1, 2007 2:04 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Wasn't Cone accused of exposing himself when he was a met? That's a great story. I think it was him.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 2:09 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Apparently:

At the same time, a separate scandal pushed Cone onto the front pages of the New York tabloids. Three women had filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Cone, claiming he exposed himself to them while he was in the bullpen during a 1989 game at Shea. The incident was the lowest and most embarrassing moment of his career.

There's a lot more interesting stories about Cone here.

by APV on Mar 1, 2007 2:18 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

These multimillionaires take YMCA- or prison-style showers?!?! I'm really surprised individual stalls aren't in all of their contracts.

Or is this only discussing spring training showers?

You know Bonds ain't showering with the general population: he can't have anyone reporting any "shrinkage"!

by JulioBernazard on Mar 2, 2007 10:58 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I know this game matter not at all, but will someone give a recap of the highlights so far, for those of us without audio?

by dgcambridge on Mar 1, 2007 2:33 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Good outings from Westbrook and Byrd. Monster homer from Victor. Good defense from Barfield. Mr. RBI (Garko) came through with one in his first AB.

by APV on Mar 1, 2007 2:37 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Lots of talk of JP and VM's fitness-both look great apparently. Jhonny also RBIed, and I think singled (did I miss anything)?

Vic needed a triple for the cycle but I think he's been lifted.

The offense appears to not need any time to get back into the groove. These guys can hit.

Oh, Barfield stole a base, which I guess would excite some people.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 2:45 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Thanks guys.

by dgcambridge on Mar 1, 2007 2:47 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

All we need is one bunt, and even the old school fans will be happy.

by MTF on Mar 1, 2007 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Max Ramirez just hit an RBI single (score 8-1), so yes, I assume Victor has been lifted.

By the way, Inglett went from first to third on the play. What hustle. What scrap. What grit.

by nickjs21 on Mar 1, 2007 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

McBride just doubled in Inglett and Ramirez, making it 10-1.

It's in the water for this team. Everyone close to the Indians logo can rake.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 2:57 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Was it McBride? Or NRI C Mike Rose?

by APV on Mar 1, 2007 3:00 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Now I think it was Rose-he seems to be on second. Were they saying somethnig else about McBride? I swear I heard his name.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

One thing I look forward to hearing more of - "You're not going to throw out Trevor Crowe."

by mkwng @ Let's Go Tribe! on Mar 1, 2007 2:57 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

When the runner on first needs to go

There is only one player, as we all know

The Tribe's guy for the job is Trevor Crowe*

(as you might suspect, poetry was one of my worst subjects in high school!)

* ususual disclaimers: 1) he's only a prospect; 2) based on a small sample size; 3) disregards the scrappiness factor

by kov on Mar 2, 2007 8:17 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I love when you get to the point in spring training games where guys I've never heard of are hitting doubles. Go, Mike Rose!

by zempf on Mar 1, 2007 2:59 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

AstroCab ground out to pitcher - he's clearly not ready!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by mkwng @ Let's Go Tribe! on Mar 1, 2007 3:02 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Great grab by AstroCab. He's clearly ready!!!!!!!!

by mkwng @ Let's Go Tribe! on Mar 1, 2007 3:20 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I cannot wait for this to continue throughout ST.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 3:22 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

This is the time for irrational exuberance.

by mkwng @ Let's Go Tribe! on Mar 1, 2007 3:33 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Did they just say Alan Ginter? Who is Alan Ginter? Don't we have Keith Ginter?

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 3:02 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

They haven't quite adjusted to the expanded Spring roster yet. Definitely Keith Ginter, broken bat 2-rbi single, 12-1.

by APV on Mar 1, 2007 3:06 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

It's so surreal how, in this day and age, we have a comparable, and maybe even better, working knowledge of these players then the radio guys. That's no knock on them, it's just strange.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 3:07 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Wait. Now there are two Ginters on base?

???

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 3:08 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Uh, Alan Zinter, I guess.

by FranklinScott on Mar 1, 2007 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Heh, was a first round draft pick .... in 1989.

by FranklinScott on Mar 1, 2007 5:00 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

The Long Strange Trip of Alan Zinter:

(from Baseball-Reference.com):

ne 2, 1986: Drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 23rd round of the 1986 amateur draft, but did not sign.

June 5, 1989: Drafted by the New York Mets in the 1st round (24th pick) of the 1989 amateur draft. Player signed June 20, 1989.

March 31, 1994: Traded by the New York Mets to the Detroit Tigers for Rico Brogna.

October 16, 1995: Granted Free Agency.

December 13, 1995: Signed as a Free Agent with the Boston Red Sox.

October 15, 1996: Granted Free Agency.

November 29, 1996: Signed as a Free Agent with the Seattle Mariners.

October 17, 1997: Granted Free Agency.

December 4, 1997: Signed as a Free Agent with the Chicago Cubs.

October 16, 1998: Granted Free Agency.

November 12, 1998: Signed as a Free Agent with the Chicago Cubs.

April 28, 1999: Purchased by the Seibu Lions (Japan Pacific) from the Chicago Cubs.

November 7, 1999: Signed as a Free Agent with the Chicago Cubs.

August 23, 2000: Sent to the Arizona Diamondbacks by the Chicago Cubs as part of a conditional deal.

October 15, 2000: Granted Free Agency.

November 1, 2000: Signed as a Free Agent with the Houston Astros.

October 15, 2002: Granted Free Agency.

November 29, 2002: Signed as a Free Agent with the Houston Astros.

October 15, 2003: Granted Free Agency.

November 7, 2003: Signed as a Free Agent with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

October 15, 2005: Granted Free Agency.

http://turftoe2.blogspot.com/

by emd2k3 on Mar 3, 2007 10:21 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

When Shapiro was on and was talking about prospects, he pretty much went straight down our LGT community top 20 list. I don't think he mentioned anyone we hadn't talked about.

by APV on Mar 1, 2007 3:16 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Like Mike Hegan said, the 7th inning of a Spring Training game is what announcers have nightmares about in December, because they have to look up everybody coming to the plate.

by nickjs21 on Mar 1, 2007 3:23 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Where's that Jeff Harris guy?

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 3:12 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I'm sure he'll show up.

by dgcambridge on Mar 1, 2007 3:15 PM EST up reply actions

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Harris just gave up a lazy flyball that turned into a HR.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 3:16 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Error for Inglett. Competition over. Winner: Alan Ginter.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 3:29 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

The PA guy just said Alan Ginter again. I swear there are two of them.

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 3:41 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

It's Alan Zinter and Keith Ginter.

Here's a cool article from last summer comparing Zinter to a real life Crash Davis.

by mkwng @ Let's Go Tribe! on Mar 1, 2007 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

Too marginal for its own diary:
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/excited_red_sox_fans_eagerly_await

by nickjs21 on Mar 1, 2007 3:43 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

There are definitely two. But is that other guy named Alan Vinter?

by afh4 on Mar 1, 2007 3:43 PM EST reply actions

Re: Game Thread: Grapefruit League Opener

I've been lurking on this site for about a year, waiting to make a worthwhile contribution. The guy hitting ahead of Keith Ginter is Alan Zinter, former first round pick of the New York Mets. Everything I can find says he still plays for the 'Stros. So I guess he defected before the first pitch?

by NickFantana on Mar 1, 2007 3:46 PM EST up reply actions