But 30 points off the BA in a player’s third year is pretty significant, and the slight decrease in numbers across the board, to me are indicative of things to come. I think the 15 HR ceiling is as high as he’ll go from here on in and his runs scored will diminish further with the Sox lineup changing. Ortiz is no longer the run producer he once was and neither is V-Mart. Bay may not re-sign and then all you have left is Youkilis. Not much in the world of RBI for a 2 hole hitter as is. Should be interesting to follow this year and see where his numbers end up.

Thanks for the comment!!

A couple of things: I couldn’t agree more with your assessment of Mr. Bailey. He undoubtedly will be looked at as a breakout closer possibility, but you make excellent points in saying that Ziegler is still around, and that — most importantly, he never pitched a day over Double A ball and therefore had a more (I’m sure) than his share of baffled hitters b/c of the unknown quantity. Who had seen him before– no one that’s who — that always translates into some sort of success if there is a speck of talent there to begin with.

Secondly, while most pundits will overvalue Mr. C, I agree with you– he (and even at 2nd base) is simply a solid player to be gotten in the much later rounds– an Asdrubal C as you put it.

Finally, I want to comment on you unnecessary Red Sox drubbing of the gritty Mr. Pedroia. You said that he “regressed big time in his third season”. I beg to differ. Let’s take a look:

Season 2:
.326 – 118 (r) -17 (hr) – 83 (RBI) – 20 (SB)

Season 3:
.296 – 115 (r) -15 (hr) – 72 (RBI) – 20 (SB)

Do you really doubt that he is not a .300 hitter? is the 3 run differential, the 2 HR differential and the 11 RBI differential really a HUGE regression– or a regression at all? I vote no– in fact, I think he was just as valuable. Red Sox hater. LOL. Keep em coming!