Rotinaj;1455595 wrote:Do you think the Indians have a better pitching staff???

No, just thought it was funny he was that butt hurt discussing who should be the 2nd and 3rd option at catcher, that he had to reach with that fail argument.

Rotinaj;1455603 wrote:7 of the top 12 ERAs are from the AL. I agree theres a difference but if it were a big one those numbers would be different.

This just tells me the AL ERA would be even lower if they pitched against NL lineups, or if there was no DH.

Ironman92;1455609 wrote:This catcher talk is all moot if Dusty is your manager.

I wouldn't have trouble with any of the catchers. Hanigan was one of our MVP's last year IMO....but not doing it this year. I love Santana's bat and on DH day he's the guy....but Gomes gets his fair share of starts. Teams don't really run much so Hanigan's ability doesn't get used much....and Hanigan's might be the best receiving catcher in the league.

Gomes and Santana get my starts....but Hanigan goes in if Gomes struggles with the bat.

I am just glad we finally settled on who our 2nd and 3rd catchers will be. :laugh:

se-alum;1455627 wrote:I think Bruce is too much of a run producer to not be in the everyday lineup. Also, if Aviles can play 3rd, I would leave Frazier off, and maybe add Cozart.

Yeah, I dont know the Reds enough to know. I just know I want no part of some Indians guys lol. So, I guess I will take Cozart over Frazier...

SportsAndLady;1455628 wrote:Bruce not in the lineup? Lol come on

It seems outrageous at first. But Brantley is the Indians best hitter. He doesnt have power, but he works counts and can hit with 2 strikes. I would like a guy like that hitting 9th, which is what it was based on. Not numbers vs numbers, because Bruce wins. Just went off more of a personal feel and how I would want my line-up structured. I also like Brantleys defense in LF over what Bruce would bring...because arm isnt as important and Brantley has 5 assists this year since he moved to RF.

But, problem was solved when I eliminated Nick Swisher from the starting line-up for Bruce at DH. Though, those numbers are similar, and the switch hitter in Swisher almost gives him the edge.

Rotinaj;1455633 wrote:If you aren't going to start Bruce in the OF hes a 100000% better option at DH than Swisher.

I would switch them. Not sure how that really got by me. But the numbers suggest anything but a landslide. And Swisher being a switch hitter and seeing over 4 pitches an AB is a big plus. I would take Bruce, but thats a close call.

SMH Laley, just SMH.

Laley23;1455640 wrote:Yeah, I dont know the Reds enough to know. I just know I want no part of some Indians guys lol. So, I guess I will take Cozart over Frazier...



It seems outrageous at first. But Brantley is the Indians best hitter. He doesnt have power, but he works counts and can hit with 2 strikes. I would like a guy like that hitting 9th, which is what it was based on. Not numbers vs numbers, because Bruce wins. Just went off more of a personal feel and how I would want my line-up structured. I also like Brantleys defense in LF over what Bruce would bring...because arm isnt as important and Brantley has 5 assists this year since he moved to RF.

But, problem was solved when I eliminated Nick Swisher from the starting line-up for Bruce at DH. Though, those numbers are similar, and the switch hitter in Swisher almost gives him the edge.



I would switch them. Not sure how that really got by me. But the numbers suggest anything but a landslide. And Swisher being a switch hitter and seeing over 4 pitches an AB is a big plus. I would take Bruce, but thats a close call.

So you would actually prefer to build a "team" over just looking at the numbers and penciling in the guys with the best numbers? Interesting concept.

BTW, I agree with your strategy.

Bruce has twice as many RBI and his OPS is 40 points higher. Its not as close as you think.

Rotinaj;1455651 wrote:Bruce has twice as many RBI and his OPS is 40 points higher. Its not as close as you think.

Swisher is what he is. He's going to give you 20+ hrs 80-100 RBI's and bat 250-60. Bruce although has a lot of power. You really can't go wrong with either one of them honestly

Terry_Tate;1455641 wrote:SMH Laley, just SMH.

At which part?

Rotinaj;1455651 wrote:Bruce has twice as many RBI and his OPS is 40 points higher. Its not as close as you think.

Well, this year sure. But Swisher also just went through an 0-27 or something crazy.

I conceded that Bruce is the better player, but looking at both of their histories, I would be shocked if their numbers werent comparable across the board in September.

Ill be willing to admit I am wrong if they arent. But Swisher and Bruce are both proven, and their year to year numbers will probably be right about there again.

Crimson streak;1455655 wrote:Swisher is what he is. He's going to give you 20+ hrs 80-100 RBI's and bat 250-60. Bruce although has a lot of power. You really can't go wrong with either one of them honestly

Yea, from the plate they're pretty much the same player. Jay has finally become a little more consistent this year, and has his average up around .270, but production is the same.

Bruce has been one of the best RF's in baseball defensively though.

Laley23;1455656 wrote:At which part?

Brantley over Bruce. Brantley over an all star the past 2 years.

Terry_Tate;1455668 wrote:Brantley over Bruce. Brantley over an all star the past 2 years.

I dont want a guy who strikeout a ton hitting 9th. He doesnt have a great OBP for that power and doesnt walk a ton for that power. At the 9 hole, I want someone who will work the count, not strikeout and can advance runners more often when making an out to turn it over to the top of the order.

In no way do I think Brantley is better than Bruce. Ive stated that already.

Laley23;1455671 wrote:I dont want a guy who strikeout a ton hitting 9th. He doesnt have a great OBP for that power and doesnt walk a ton for that power. At the 9 hole, I want someone who will work the count, not strikeout and can advance runners more often when making an out to turn it over to the top of the order.

In no way do I think Brantley is better than Bruce. Ive stated that already.

Bruce would be 5th.

The back to back All Star wouldn't bat 9th.

What if the Reds and Indians end up playing in the WS? How would this hypothetical game be played then? Or are these 2 teams just combined and the rest of the players let go? Would Drew Stubbs be immediately picked up and start CF for the Yankees? PLZ BE HONEST!!!!

Laley23;1455671 wrote:I dont want a guy who strikeout a ton hitting 9th. He doesnt have a great OBP for that power and doesnt walk a ton for that power. At the 9 hole, I want someone who will work the count, not strikeout and can advance runners more often when making an out to turn it over to the top of the order.

In no way do I think Brantley is better than Bruce. Ive stated that already.

Bruce sees just as many pitches as Brantley though I don't know if he works the count as much, and his career OBP is .001 behind Brantley and he walks just as much as Brantley if not more. And instead of moving runners over he would drive them in more often. I swore I wouldn't get in an argument here but IMO Bruce is a top 5 hitter when you combine the rosters and he has to hit anywhere from 4th to 6th. I know you said Bruce is better, but its beyond comprehension to me that anyone would put him on the bench for any reason. I know this argument is pointless but couldn't help myself Laley.

Rotinaj;1455681 wrote:What if the Reds and Indians end up playing in the WS? How would this hypothetical game be played then? Or are these 2 teams just combined and the rest of the players let go? Would Drew Stubbs be immediately picked up and start CF for the Yankees? PLZ BE HONEST!!!!

Stubbs would stay on as the hitting coach, obviously.

SportsAndLady;1455677 wrote:Bruce would be 5th.

The back to back All Star wouldn't bat 9th.

Yes, after I remember anyone can bat DH, not just a DH lol.

But other then that, not the way I have my line-up set. The only way to get my prototypical 9 hole hitter is with the OF position. The other positions are to locked in. But with 3 OFers I can manage it how I want.

I can fill in other spots in the line-up and not miss as much. But there isnt a viable option at #9 imo, if Brantley is removed.

Just to add. I believe 5 of the top 7 hitting parks are in the NL...

While there is the DH, given today's pitching ERA, it's not that big of a difference, at least not compared to what it was 10 years ago. Playing games in Coors, Chase Field, Miller Park and GABP is pretty comparable to playing an AL park/AL lineup, if not tougher.

How about this:

CF Bourn
2B Phillips
1B Votto
DH Swisher
RF Bruce
SS Cabrera
C Santana
3B Reynolds
LF Choo

Bruce and Swisher are very comparable. Bruce has better power, Swisher has a better eye. Both absolutely would be in the lineup.

Terry_Tate;1455686 wrote:Bruce sees just as many pitches as Brantley though I don't know if he works the count as much, and his career OBP is .001 behind Brantley and he walks just as much as Brantley if not more. And instead of moving runners over he would drive them in more often. I swore I wouldn't get in an argument here but IMO Bruce is a top 5 hitter when you combine the rosters and he has to hit anywhere from 4th to 6th. I know you said Bruce is better, but its beyond comprehension to me that anyone would put him on the bench for any reason. I know this argument is pointless but couldn't help myself Laley.

Its really just a preference to the 9-hole. But I also consider this to be Brantleys 3rd year. He was up and down and never played consistently his 1st season (along with the call up when he was 22). I dont know, nor do I care enough to see what his numbers are the last 2 years plus this year.

I know for sure his OBP is way up, as well as BA. His BBs are improving, but not power hitter like. He will get 50ish. But he will also strike out only around 60 times.

Like I said, I know Bruce is better, and is a top hitter and AS and all that. I just think the team will do better with a more natural 9 hole hitter.

How about this lineup
1B-Taveras(Would trade Votto for him)
2B-Stubbs
3B-Stubbs
P-Stubbs
C-Stubbs
SS-Stubbs
LF-Stubbs
CF-Stubbs
RF-Stubbs

Know what is crazy? Jay Bruce is only 42 days older than Michael Brantley. This is Bruce's 8th year...

Laley23;1455671 wrote:I dont want a guy who strikeout a ton hitting 9th.

Laley23;1455671 wrote:At the 9 hole, I want someone who will work the count, not strikeout and can advance runners more often when making an out to turn it over to the top of the order.

Laley23;1455689 wrote:But there isnt a viable option at #9 imo, if Brantley is removed.

Laley23;1455689 wrote:The only way to get my prototypical 9 hole hitter is with the OF position.

Laley23;1455696 wrote:I just think the team will do better with a more natural 9 hole hitter.

Lol I don't think you realize how stupid this sounds

SportsAndLady;1455704 wrote:Lol I don't think you realize how stupid this sounds

Why?

Laley23;1455705 wrote:Why?

Because of a lot of reasons. But mainly because there are viable options in the 9 spot. Another reason is you're trying to fit a player perfectly into the 9 spot, in the meantime leaving out a top 5 hitter on this "team".

Forget the team arguments. Would there be series' threads or game threads?