by visick » Wed Feb 15, 2006 12:03 pm
Team #1:
My observations (though I'm no expert... :D )
1. Loretta while a great hitter, isn't the guy I would use in Petco. I think he's a better fit in a neutral to hitting park. He's a 3 defensively, and probably giving up a few too many hits.
2. Manny is a great slugger with his natural HR's BUT if you are playing him in the field, he'll hurt you...especially in Petco.
3. People will argue back and forth about Pierre, but a +3 arm, for me, in CF will not cut it.
4. Rolen is under-performing right now as well. He'll come around.
Team #2:
This team was successful because:
1. Gordon / Nathan. Great seasons from both. While I like Atchison in a pitchers park, I want my most expensive pitchers ie. Nathan, to get the bulk of the innings.
2. Westbrook and Milton over-performed. Milton can be a gem in Petco. I've had a good season or 2 from Vazquez there as well.
3. Good defense up the middle with Cora/Clayton and Kotsay.
Note the (-) arm with Kotsay as well.
4. Berkman was an OB / RBI machine.
IMHO...When you attempt to duplicate success achieved with team #2, start with the defense up the middle.
On the other hand when attempting to play in a hitter's haven, start with offense.