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I/O: [Who starts in CF] Looks like it will be Michael Saunders.
CRUNCH: Huh!
I thought it was Ackley by default, with Almonte challenging Saunders if Ackley displeased McClendon.
On Michael Saunders, I think that he's fine defensively but badly needs to be positioned deep. Offensively, BaseballHQ is bullish. HQ likes his second-half power index, which was 157, comparable to the elite in the game, and reminds us that "he's at an age where breakouts frequently occur."
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I/O: [Hart will probably bat cleanup if healthy]
CRUNCH: Corey Hart is flying under the blog-o-sphere radar for some reason. His power index (PX) is always 150-165, which is practically Michael Saunders class...
HQ projects Hart in 2014 for a .487 SLG, which of course is understated because of Bulk Projection Syndrome. Nelson Cruz' projection is .452 at HQ. It was 2009 that Hart last slugged for anything below .500, or batted below .270.
He's got the chronic knees, so ... figure on him emerging as the everyday DH, batting 4th. (Remember when we brought in Richie Sexson and nervously watching his repaired shoulder at the start of camp?) If Hart gets rolling in ST, and is in rhythm despite spending the top of the inning in the batting cage, well, explain to me why Justin Upton is a better hitter than Corey Hart.
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I/O: [First impressions: how is Lloyd McClendon different from Eric Wedge?] ... Well, there is the general appearance. They are the same. Lloyd is a little more meticulous about fundamentals.
CRUNCH: McClendon said something during his first presser, which he said in such a way, and such a tone, that to me it "captured" Lloyd McClendon.
He said, "baseball players are creatures of habit."
A major fraction of everything that we do, in trying to become better people, is this -- trying to create better automatic responses to our environment. Remind us to write a series on the idea sometime ... the only thing you control, truly control, is what you choose to pay attention to, what you choose to think. But today's thought choice becomes tomorrow's automatic behavior, which is the same as saying "it becomes who you are."
......
In the same chat, Divish relayed that the GM's problem with Wedge was that he was too soft on them (!), left them alone, didn't insist on extra work. Funny how out of touch we bloggers are. McClendon was brought in because they needed a tough guy?
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McClendon's focus on "habit" isn't unusual with coaches, of course -- see Michael Bennett's remarks about how the Seahawks "practiced halftime" and "won halftime." But some coaches maintain a better vision, they maintain the process despite distraction, and there is a world of difference between preaching to somebody versus reminding them that they're working on a habit.
For this, and other reasons, we're hopeful that McClendon (and Cano) are very good matches for Zduriencik's kids. Pete Carroll had a mediocre first couple of trips around the league.
BABVA,
Dr D
Everything I've been picking up, too, is Saunders in CF, Ackley in LF and LoMo in RF, with Hart at DH. At least as the default position at the start of camp.
With Guti gone, I think they will make at least one trade for a backup RH OF.
"A major fraction of everything that we do, in trying to become better people, is this -- trying to create better automatic responses to our environment. Remind us to write a series on the idea sometime ... the only thing you control, truly control, is what you choose to pay attention to, what you choose to think. But today's thought choice becomes tomorrow's automatic behavior, which is the same as saying 'it becomes who you are.' "
1. Is there an Ackley vs. Almonte competition in ST? Is Ackley's slot a "given?"
2. Chris Denorfia/Delmon Young? RH bats that might be available. There's a Dodger I like, a lot, btw.
3. ERam or Maurer as trade bait, with sweetener added.
Long-time lurker. I've always appreciated the philosophy-psychology-sports crossovers you write, and it's what's made SSI become my favorite Mariners site. I would love to read a series expanding on this concept!!