Riley vs Camargo

Runnin

Runnin

Well-known member
DOB's Athletic column on the battle at 3B makes it sound like they've practically decided on Riley already but the logic seems incomplete. They talk about Riley's plate discipline and pitch recognition while Camargo is hitting well so far too. They talk of Camargo's weight and defensive range but don't mention the obvious that Riley's no ballerina either. It sounds like they'd like to give it to Riley based on his power potential and improved mechanics even if his numbers aren't quite as good as Camargo's in ST.

Braves notes: Austin Riley or Johan Camargo? Folty struggles, Kyle Wright shines


This picture seems to foretell Camargo being left in Gwinnett even after doing what he needed to do in the off season. Either way, it's a long season with many opportunities to shine.
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I read the article as well, and after reading the circle jerk of praise from Snit and Seitzer over Riley’s approach at the plate, I get the strong feeling it will be him starting at 3B this season. This quote from Snit makes it seem very clear he prefers Riley, “I think both of them have done really well,” Snitker said. “I love where Austin’s at. Offensively, I love where he’s at. Camargo … they both are going to make it tough”.
 
A different take on the 3B job. Snits comments say Camargo is the man.

from AJC article

Camargo is considered the heavy favorite, and the likeliest outcome remains him handling third-base duties while Riley returns to Gwinnett. If that’s the scenario, Riley could still obviously find his way to the majors soon enough, helped by his ability to also play first base and left field.Snitker has been impressed with Camargo’s athleticism, which looks much more fluid in his leaner state. The 26-year-old spent the winter getting into better shape, and he’s looked much smoother fielding and running the bases.
 
Better be Camargo. He doesn't have the upside of Riley, but at least we know he's a very good defender and has position flexibility. I still think he can post a .750ish OPS over a full season, which would probably make him a 2ish WAR overall player.
 
The contradicting articles look like they are trying to cover their asses, whatever they decide. I like them both and say let them fight it out, but give it to whomever wins.
 
For the first time, Snitker made it clear that he doesn’t see a realistic scenario involving the two sharing third-base duties and also doesn’t think it would serve either well to be a backup or utility player at this stage of his career — even though that’s the role Camargo had when he arrived (and thrived) as a rookie in 2017.
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This logic is fair enough for Riley, but Camargo's 26. I think we're past the point of worrying about stunting his development with a utility role.
 
Seems and easy choice to me, let Riley get more minor league at bats. When he hits one of his usual hot streaks, bring him up.

How long do we have to leave him down to gain some contractual control?
 
Eyeman said:
Seems and easy choice to me, let Riley get more minor league at bats. When he hits one of his usual hot streaks, bring him up.

How long do we have to leave him down to gain some contractual control?
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Quite a while - the fact that he was never sent back down last year means he's already accumulated 138 days of service time. This year's cutoff was 2.115 days (Hader) - but that was the lowest in a decade.
 
Super said:
i don't think we need to worry a ton about control with a guy like Riley.
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Wouldn't hurt to send him down for 2-3 weeks to get hot when Pitchers aren't so out of practice early on and then send him down for another couple weeks when he inevitably cools off. Could easily get that time back that way, and that certainly wouldn't hurt if AA tries to trade him.
 
Having an OD 3B based on potential is a loosing proposition IMO.

SO far, Camargo has shown better Riley. Both have played 5 games, Camargo has 1 less AB, has the same # of hits, has an OBP of .385 to .308 for Riley, has 1 HR to 0, 3 RBIs to 0,. Riley's 4 hits are all singles.
 
salmagundy said:
Having an OD 3B based on potential is a loosing proposition IMO.

SO far, Camargo has shown better Riley. Both have played 5 games, Camargo has 1 less AB, has the same # of hits, has an OBP of .385 to .308 for Riley, has 1 HR to 0, 3 RBIs to 0,. Riley's 4 hits are all singles.
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This is likely exactly what has Snitker excited - that it's not all-or-nothing right now.

If/when Riley's OBP gets into the .320+ range, he's likely the everyday 3B.
 
nsacpi said:
The idea is not to send him down to get hot. It is to make sure he makes some progress with pitch recognition. AAA is the place for him to do that kind of learning.
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It absolutely is - but we're all pretty well aware of the fact that they'll plug him in at the MLB level as soon as he goes on a tear at Gwinnett like the one that preceded his call-up last season whether he's getting nothing other than mistake fastballs or not.
 
This decision is not going to be made based on the number of hits these guys collect in ST. Both guys will need some extended time at the MLB level before the trade deadline so AA can decide whether or not an upgrade is needed.

Maybe Riley will shock me, but I'm going to guess the guy playing 3B with the postseason on the line isn't on the roster yet.
 
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