Hak-Ju Lee...

[Braves1976]

MLBTR and others noted that Hak-Ju Lee opted out of his minor league deal with the Giants. I mentioned this in a thread because he's hitting better this year after having numerous injuries set him back in recent years. He is a very good defensive shortstop with plus range and a plus arm. Personally, I think he'd be worth signing to give a shot here simply because his plus defense and improving bat could make him a good fit for us. I know we have Swanson and Albies coming but right now we have time to test and give others with potential shots and he's someone I'd give a shot given our position. At worst he's likely an upgrade to Castro for his defense alone and Castro is good but Lee is even better defensively. Plus if he hits that gives us another trade chip and a young one too as he's still just 25 years old.

 

[clvclv]

MLBTR and others noted that Hak-Ju Lee opted out of his minor league deal with the Giants. I mentioned this in a thread because he's hitting better this year after having numerous injuries set him back in recent years. He is a very good defensive shortstop with plus range and a plus arm. Personally, I think he'd be worth signing to give a shot here simply because his plus defense and improving bat could make him a good fit for us. I know we have Swanson and Albies coming but right now we have time to test and give others with potential shots and he's someone I'd give a shot given our position. At worst he's likely an upgrade to Castro for his defense alone and Castro is good but Lee is even better defensively. Plus if he hits that gives us another trade chip and a young one too as he's still just 25 years old.

Why would he opt out of a minor league deal with them to turn around and sign one with the worst team in baseball?

JMO, but that's just spinning wheels and causing more roster-juggling for nothing. Not sure whether it was a slip or not, but pretty sure I heard BJ mention Swanson on last night's pregame show as someone we're likely going to see sooner than people think, and I agree. The natives are getting restless, and given Blair's struggles the brass probably feels like they're going to need to throw the fans a bone before long if they expect anyone to show up at The Ted over the summer.

 

[Braves1976]

Why would he opt out of a minor league deal with them to turn around and sign one with the worst team in baseball?

JMO, but that's just spinning wheels and causing more roster-juggling for nothing. Not sure whether it was a slip or not, but pretty sure I heard BJ mention Swanson on last night's pregame show as someone we're likely going to see sooner than people think, and I agree. The natives are getting restless, and given Blair's struggles the brass probably feels like they're going to need to throw the fans a bone before long if they expect anyone to show up at The Ted over the summer.

How about a shot to play in MLB? That can be a big deciding factor for players. Further, if you consider having another plus defender with a plus arm and soft hands at short that has more potential with the bat "just spinning wheels and causing more roster-juggling for nothing" then I cannot help you nor will I try to do so.

 

[50PoundHead]

How about a shot to play in MLB? That can be a big deciding factor for players. Further, if you consider having another plus defender with a plus arm and soft hands at short that has more potential with the bat "just spinning wheels and causing more roster-juggling for nothing" then I cannot help you nor will I try to do so.

Agree. Big league meal money for the worst team in baseball is a lot better than the meal money for the AAA affiliate of the best team in baseball. We need a SS not named Albies or Swanson to split time with Castro (and it ain't d'Arnaud or Beckham).

 

[dak]

Ruben Tejada also became a free agent yesterday. Was off to a bad start with STL in just 40 PAs, but is an above average defensive SS with a decent bat. He's not gonna find a better opportunity for short term playing time than what we have to offer.

 

[Braves1976]

Ruben Tejada also became a free agent yesterday. Was off to a bad start with STL in just 40 PAs, but is an above average defensive SS with a decent bat. He's not gonna find a better opportunity for short term playing time than what we have to offer.

Tejada isn't an above average defensive shortstop, -18 DRS for his career coming off -15 DRS last year. He has a 1 DRS in a small sample this year but his UZR/150 is -38.2. IOW, Tejada wouldn't be an upgrade to Castro defensively, though his bat could prove better or worse if he hits like he did in St. Louis.

 

[dak]

Tejada isn't an above average defensive shortstop, -18 DRS for his career coming off -15 DRS last year. He has a 1 DRS in a small sample this year but his UZR/150 is -38.2. IOW, Tejada wouldn't be an upgrade to Castro defensively, though his bat could prove better or worse if he hits like he did in St. Louis.

Fair enough. I was looking at his overall UZR numbers, but now seeing they're mostly above average due to his time at other positions. I concede the point.

 

[Braves1976]

Fair enough. I was looking at his overall UZR numbers, but now seeing they're mostly above average due to his time at other positions. I concede the point.

I like Lee because of his defense and potential in his bat to improve. Plus he's still only 25 too.