The Padres like that Brad Hawpe posted a .903 OPS two years ago and is still just 31 years old, writes ESPN.com's Buster Olney. The team's front office is confident in Hawpe's ability to play first, but club execs don't know what they'll get from the longtime Rockie at the plate. Here are the rest of Olney's rumors:
- Olney suggests a player’s inability to play the field seriously compromises his value, since teams would prefer to have roster flexibility. Though Michael Young may become the Rangers’ regular DH, his ability to play all over the infield is a plus that players like Jim Thome and Vladimir Guerrero cannot offer.
- Executives wonder “where the heck [Manny] Ramirez is going to land – if anywhere.” As Olney notes, Ramirez has the potential to become a distraction.
- Russell Branyan can still play first base when healthy, which is why one GM believes he’ll find a job. “He’ll get a shot someplace," the GM said.
Michael Young may offer flexibility in the DH spot.. but his sub .783 OPS in 3 of the last 4 seasons makes him a pretty weak primary DH.
that OPS would put him 4th as a DH this last season
“Ramirez has the potential to become a distraction”
… as in “The sun has the potential to rise in the morning.”
The Rangers, having taken the plunge on Beltre, might as well keep Young. He’s likely to need to fill in elsewhere in that infield, he’s a decent hitter with a bad contract no one will want, and it spares the Rangers the expense of a pure DH.