Saturday, February 21, 2009

2009 Trash Heap starting to fill out

After years of rebuilding, the Trash Heap are finally confident that the days of basement ball are over. Previous years drafts had focused on potential over current output, leading to disgruntled fans and low attendance. Trash Heap fans have two new reasons to be optimistic, as GM Moscariello utilized two 1st round draft picks to solidify two gaps for 2009 and future years. The 5th overall pick was used to select uber-prospect Jay Bruce. Bruce provides the rare combination of good fielding as well as the ability to hit for average and power at CF. However, don't think Bruce was selected only for his future potential. Bruce's 0.869 OPS vs RH will get him plenty of playing time in a CF platoon. Bruce will hopefully lock down a CF position that will be left open with Johnny Damon has been transitioning to LF and DH. The Heap made another bold move by trading 3 picks (#21 overall, #32 overall, and #48 overall) to get the 9th overall pick to select Joey Votto. Like Bruce, Votto fields a big void at 1B for '09 and future Trash Heap teams. Votto has almost a full card hitting at a 0.874 OPS with no real split difference. While the price was high, Moscariello told reporters that the move was made for three reasons: his faith in Votto's future potential, Votto having a strong card, and the lack of other good first basemen in the '09 draft.

Heap fans hope this is the end of the changing of the guard. Gone are the days of Luis Gonzalez, Richie Sexson, Gary Sheffield and Livan Hernandez. The last few drafts have netted big wins in Lincecum, Billingsley, Danks, and Iannetta, and the Heap are still hoping that Jeremy Hermida, Delmon Young, and Howie Kendrick will eventually live up to their expectations. The current Trash Heap is young and full of talent, some already realized and some yet to come. Moscariello is very happy to think that his future teams will have this look:

C - Iannetta
1B - Votto
2B - Kinsler
SS - Hardy
3B - Alex Rodriguez
LF - Delmon Young/Jeremy Hermida
CF - Jay Bruce
RF - Brad Hawpe

SP - Tim Lincecum
SP - Chad Billingsley
SP - John Danks
SP - Brandon Morrow

1 comment:

Haymakers said...

The team is definetly looking good...strong lineup and rotation!