Taveras Claimed Off Waivers

Is there any way he could have slipped to the AL? I would love to see the White Sox grab him. He's a lefty off the bench that ate us alive in 05 WS.

With the loss of Dewayne Wise, there is severe lack of speed in this offense. Taveras would give us that speed we lost and would also give us a late inning replacement for Griffey (who shouldn't be in the outfield anyways).

Yea ChiSox33, I like Taveras patrolling center in the Cell, but it looks like the Rockies are not moving him.

But if the Sox where the team that placed the claim, it would validate what Williams is trying to do out there, IMHO. Not sure Griffey was that Center Fielder he's been trying to get these past few seasons.

Because the fact of the matter is that with Taveras's speed and ability to make contact, hes a weapon as a part time player.

"The Phils could use him as a late pinch runner for Pat Burrell."

So Taguchi is filling that role now.

"ability to make contact? are you kidding me"

Technically, he does make contact in 85% of his ABs, so he does TECHNICALLY make contact a lot.
Its just that, if he is still anything like he was with the Astros, a lot of those hits arent leaving the infield.

When the rules are changed to allow Taveras to steal first base, he'll become an effective player. Until then, he's a late inning substitute base-runner to avoid a double play or to get into scoring position.

I agree with scribble. This guy can be an enormous weapon in the playoffs for somebody. The 04 Redsox never win a world series (or get to one) without Dave Roberts coming off the bench.

I find it pretty amazing that guys who were able to find a site like this having no clue about the game and it's players. He's a .285 hitter who had a terrible May, check his splits. Add to the fact that he's a serious weapon on the basepaths and you'd be crazy not to see what Colorado wants for him. He's also signed very cheaply. And So Taguchi feeling that role - have you watched a Phillies game this season?

i would love to see Taveras in a Tigers uniform. he could play LF and would be a speedster that we seriously lack in our lineup.

Willy Taveras makes a lot of sense for the Padres. Given the spacious outfield of Petco Park and their lack of team speed, Taveras would be an ideal solution for them in CF. I don't see him getting past them.

ok like i said speed ok. batting for avg. not especially.
batters who hit for avg usually have a career batting avg of at least .300
his is .285
not bad but i wouldnt say he hits for avg.
he has crazy speed but with 162 SB in 198 attempts buthe's far from an everyday player at a position.

pinch hitting bench guy at best.
col fans need to realize they dont have gold here just some unrefined silver.

I've never understood the fascination with Taveras. He's crazy fast, but as MickS said, he can't steal first.

He has 17 extra-base hits, even playing half his games in hitter-friendly (and double- and triple-friendly) Coors. He's walked a career-high *34* times this year.

He's an awful leadoff man who doesn't have enough power to hit anywhere else in the lineup.

Sure, he could help a contender as a pinch runner or late inning defensive replacement.

But if the Nats are after him, I'd keep Willie Harris. At least he's shown he can hit double-digit homers in a season.