Archive of SportingNews.com's old SOM Baseball forum

Well,
It is the first week of season and I have determined that I have Tartabull's worst card (1990). I don't know if I want to tie up 5 mill on his .268 card. His numbers aren't bad against lefties but real hit or miss vs. righties.

Am considering Barfield or Downing as replacement. Any feedback on those 2 ?

Thanks

Barfield is woth picking up. 40% chance of being Dave Parker.

I've only had Downing for one season, but I'm a fan. Very steady (lowest OPS is .792), good OBP, good power. Low e rating also. You're not going to get a crazy good season out of him (although he's got a .901 OPS for me right now). I guess it depends on who else you have in your lineup. If you're looking for a 4 hole hitter I'd go for Barfield and see if I get one of his gonzo seasons. If you're looking for a 5 or 6 hole hitter (or even a 2 or 3 with his high OBP), I'd go for the steadier Downing.

Is he going to DH or play the OF?

Downing is not rated for RF, unless you're planning on sliding your current RF. Barfield's gun will prevent some runs, and really, he has only one card I'd consider worthless (it's the top one, what is it, '82? That's nothing more than a platoon card, basically). Downing is a great run producer, though. Of the two, I like Barfield's power and D, and if I were in a hitter's park, I'd take him over Downing.

Downing rarely disappoints, but you must be paitent. Barfield is real hit or miss.

Thanks for your help all. I felt I needed more slugging help as I already have Brett, Hernandez, Herr, Madlock, Greenwell for OBP. I picked up Barfield and we'll see what happens. His defense will compliment Dawson in OF.

Thanks again,
Bill

Given your other OBP guys, I think taking a shot with Barfield is worthwhile.

give him 100 ABs and see what happens