Choo is not a CFer

[leecemark]

--We need to find another option to cover CF while Reed is out (or for good more likely). I wasn't sold on the idea of moving a guy with a good, not great rep as a corner OF to CF, but figured if it gives us another bat its worth a try. It was hard to really see if he was going to be able to handle it from a few TV games. I sat directly behind him at last nights game and now I'm convinced he can't handle the job.
--Choo gets absolutely terrible jumps on the ball. A great outfielder is moving at the crack of the bat, but Choo doesn't move until he picks up the ball in flight (effectively halving his range). There were 3 balls popped to short CF last night that I assumed we outs off the bat, but when I checked Choo he was just starting to move and all 3 dropped in for hits. His arm is powerfull, but his accuracy doesn't seem to be very good.
--The most obvious solution is moving Ichiro to CF, although he would have his work cut out for him with Choo and Ibanez on either side. Another option is calling up Snelling for CF, but I don't know that he would be better than Choo and his ability to stay in the lineup is highly questionable. Bloomquist is best as a utilityman.
--I think if we really hope to contend this year a trade may be the answer. If we are looking more to the future (and I certainly wouldn't give too much for anybody likely to be available in trade now) then Reed needs to play everyday (no more platooning) when he coming back so we can see if there is any hope he is the answer going forward.

[ichiro262]

I watched the game on TV (you were there, so you definitely know better) and it seemed like he did OK for his third or fourth game in the bigs. I did see those bloop hits though -- he isn't all that fast. Also, I think we got spoiled with Jeremy Reed's stellar defense, so anyone would look a little worse now than they actually are. Maybe we just need to give Choo some more time.
But....
If we did want to make a trade, who would be possibly available? Here is a short list that I could think of:
Best guy for CF, but hard to get: Torii Hunter. The Twins are doing really well now but it's still highly unlikely that they're going to make the play-offs. With Hunter's contract expiring they may as well move him if they don't think they can sign him. We'll see.
Second best guy for CF, but even harder to get: Bobby Abreau. The Phillies aren't going to let him go without some obvious young talent, which most teams don't want to lose. Might not be worth it in the end.
Guys that can play outfield -- maybe not CF -- but outfield, nonetheless: Craig Wilson, Aubrey Huff, Jaque Jones, Reggie Sanders. All are fairly easily traded for, but none are all that impressive. They would all require Ichiro to shift into CF.
Hopeless PERFECTION: Carl Crawford. Not sure why he's not playing CF in Tampa -- incredible speed, solid arm, great instincts. They have expressed interest in trading him (way to go D-Rays) and he would turn anybodys top of the lineup into a double-threat batting second. We would have two of the fastet outfielders in the game. But again, I think this is hopeless. Mainly because I can't see what they would trade Crawford for.

[leecemark]

--Hunter is probably available at the deadline and if we are still in the hunt AND he doesn't cost too much for a rent-a-player then he would be a good option. I agree Crawford would be ideal, but near impossible to acquire. Of the rest, Jones is the only one who could possibly handle CF. With the Cubs in the toilet, it would be worth asking if they wanted to flush his salary;) .

[SABR Matt]

I'd rather acquire a lefty CFer than a righty, but I want nothign to do with Jacque Jones despite his good glove.

Leaving me very unexcited about the prospect of trading for a CFer.

Torii Hunter would be alright (how long is his current contract?)...wouldn't hit much at Safeco, but he'd bring the leather.

[leecemark]

--Hunter is a free agent at the end of the year. Agree he wouldn't hit at Safeco, but if we're in contention at the deadline (looking less likely by the day:( ) he would be a good addition if we don't have to pay too much. Reed went on the 60 day DL, so he isn't going to be back in time to help.

[SABR Matt]

Reed wouldn't help even if he were healthy (defensively he would but he's a black hole with the bat).

And we're only 3 1/2 games out...we're still very much in contention with just a couple of weeks left in July games.

If we're within 3 or 4 games of first, acquiring Hunter in exchange for, say...Bobby Livingston...would be a good idea.