Comments on: 8/24/07 Daily Prospect Report

By: Rockin' the Red

Rockin' the Red — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 15:22:32 +0000

Just realized I meant to put Jeffery instead of Jeffrey. Sorry about that.

By: Jeffery

Jeffery — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 15:17:37 +0000

Hoffpauir showed average speed this year in Springfield. He did look like a smart base runner though.

By: Rockin' the Red

Rockin' the Red — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 02:06:32 +0000

This is a little off-topic, but what is Hoffpauir’s speed like? Average speed? Base stealing speed?
That’s interesting about his defense in Springfield, Jeffrey. It’s encouraging to know he’s improved with the glove.

By: Jeffery

Jeffery — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 01:04:06 +0000

With Richardson on the DL the team is a man short. I hope they bring Shorey back up becausew we need his bat and he is a better left fielder than Haerther. Hated to see him sent down. I wish he could play First Base. Hoffpauir’s defense at Springfield this year WAS stellar. Very solid on the double play and he showed much better range this year. Before Greene went down with the knee we were very solid up the middle. Martinez has done a nice job in Greene’s place, but I still think Greene is the better shortstop if his knee is OK.

By: azruavatar

azruavatar — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 22:05:53 +0000

I’d be surprised if Craig gets a call-up. They sent Rico Washington to Springfield to shore up third base.

By: fewgoodcards

fewgoodcards — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 21:46:35 +0000

if he doesn’t have the arm for 3rd and that is what is causing all the errors why don’t they move him to 2nd? he has to have at least decent range and hands as he was a college shortstop. he wouldn’t be the best defender, but his offense would be elite at 2nd base.

By: Bleacherbum593

Bleacherbum593 — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 20:05:32 +0000

The word on Craig is that he doesn’t have the arm to play 3B. I noticed that he’s been playing 1B lately with Palm Beach.

With Richardson out for the year at Springfield, there’s a 50/50 chance that Craig will get a callup to Springfield this week. It’ll come down to him or Mark Shorey.

By: azruavatar

azruavatar — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 16:54:36 +0000

Rockin - “How would you rank Gonzo’s defense overall?” By all accounts, he’s a hack with the glove. That’s primarily why he’s never been able to stick in the bigs. For whatever reason, the Cardinals think Aaron Miles is a capable backup at SS (he’s not) so there’s not really room for an all-bat middle infielder when you SS spends time on the DL.

Paul - There’s no reason to move Craig off third because he’s in High-A. Moving a prospect (that low in the minors) because he’s blocked by Rolen is premature. That said, his defense is probably nothing more than average (at best) at 3rd so there’s a chance he could move to the OF. Rolen isn’t as bad as he’s played this year but there’s a very real chance he’s begun a steep decline phase. He’s probably worth 10-15 runs on defense alone so him being just an average 3B offensively (.261 EqA) doesn’t mean he’s not contributing.

By: Rockin' the Red

Rockin' the Red — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 15:55:57 +0000

Another guy similar to Craig’s position is Steve Hill. He has some experience at catcher, but but we might have a logjam there too. I suppose it’s a good thing when you start having prospects that don’t have anywhere to go.

By: Irishman

Irishman — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 15:52:26 +0000

The easy answer to your question, AZ, is that Gonzalez is not on the 40 man roster, so unless you want to clear someone out (while still being responsible for their salary), he won’t see the bigs this year…That being said, I am all for second basemen who, you know…hit the baseball effectively.