In terms of how they project offensively, there isn't much to choose from between Schafer, Cunningham and Constanza. You have to look at other elements to try to pick between the three and they each have arguments in their favor.
For Schafer, the arguments in his favor are that he is the best defensive outfielder of the three and the best base runner.
Constanza is the third best defensively of the three and second best base runner. What he has in his favor is an uncanny ability to come through in big moments.
Cunningham's advantage is the ability to fill in as an infielder if necessary. I also like the fact he is a switch hitter.
I believe Schafer is the only one of the three out of options and that might be the deciding factor at the end of spring training in terms of which one makes the team. I do think there is a chance that two of these players makes the team, depending on how they stack up relative to Joey T and Pastornicky.
Schafer's also the only one on a Major League contract so when you drop him you still have to pay him. Not big $ but I'm sur its a factor.
Think there's room for two of the three actually. And all three will spend some time in the majors in all likeyhood. Cunningham and Costanza can go back and forth as many times as the team wants.
I think the problem with Schafer is that he may be one of those guys who fits the tautology of "he needs to have consistent playing time to be good, but he's not consistently good enough to merit the playing time." He can be a spark plug in doses and the guy is a tremendous defensive outfielder and base-runner, but his contact skills are really lousy.
Curious to see if (and how much) playing time in the IF Cunningham gets. If he could play a passable 2B or 3B, that would help him tremendously.
Put me in the column of never wanting Constanza to get another major league AB in a Braves' uniform.
AUTiger7222 (03-01-2014), zedsdead (03-01-2014)
AUTiger7222 (03-01-2014)
I think, right away, there is a difference of several hundred thousand. Cunningham can also play infield. His speed is right there with Schafer (better even), though Schafer is a more seasoned baserunner. Defense is behind (not much). Bat is ahead (maybe not much, but he makes consistent contact and lets his speed work for him).
The LHP I am interested in is Drew Smyly, but I don't think Detroit has any use for Schafer(it would take more, anyway, but he would also serve as rotation depth, which would be nice).
I like Smyly too. Le Carré wrote a novel titled Smiley's People. I think he misspelt his name.
Last edited by nsacpi; 03-01-2014 at 01:27 PM.
Dalyn (03-01-2014)
Has there EVER been a statement and question a certain someone should absolutely never have made and asked publicly more than...
Kinda pathetic to see yourself as a message board knight in shining armor. How impotent does someone have to be in real life to resort to playing hero on a message board?
As I recall George Smiley vanquished Karla in the end. Very good novel. This thread is making me want to read some le Carré. Maybe I'll stop by the book store tonight.
Dalyn (03-01-2014)
That kid, Chris Jones, that the Braves traded to the O's last year for Luis Ayala was just released by Baltimore. I don't know if he is hurt or what because he had decent numbers last year in the minors. But I agree that trading Schafer for a LHP in the pen would be ideal and I would gladly add Varvaro to make it work. A guy I like, that we wouldn't be able to get for Schafer and Varvaro is Jerry Blevins from the A's.
Buchter has been shaky in his two outings so far. Wonder when Severino will get a chance.