Dbacks pickup of Kubel raises questions

[Dback Jon]

The focus all off-season has been on pitching - on upgrading the rotation, on further reinforcing the bullpen. And even after trading for Trevor Cahill and signing Takashi Saito in the past 10 days, it still seemed as though the Diamondbacks were focused on arms.

And then they turned around and agreed to terms with outfielder Jason Kubel on a two-year, $15 million deal.

It's an interesting signing, both because it came out of nowhere and because of the questions it raises, most of which revolve around incumbent left fielder Gerardo Parra.



Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/dia...son-kubel-raises-questions.html#ixzz1h5wmHd7K

 

[CardEd]

I say what does this say about Young? How much defense do you lose with Parra in CF? How much would you gain with his bat in the line up compared to CY?

Something to think about.............

 

[Diamondback Jay]

I say what does this say about Young? How much defense do you lose with Parra in CF? How much would you gain with his bat in the line up compared to CY?

Something to think about.............

Parra doesn't have the range or arm to play CF. By going from Young to Parra, you're potentially giving up a huge defensive differential.

I'm willing to take that risk in LF, going from a Gold Glove defensive LF to one who's not as strong with the upgrade in hitting. I'm not willing to do the same with CF. Too much of a risk.

 

[azsportsfan01]

I say what does this say about Young? How much defense do you lose with Parra in CF? How much would you gain with his bat in the line up compared to CY?

Something to think about.............

I'll keep it short. A lot.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

I'll keep it short. A lot.

Precisely..

Gibby's a smart manager. He knows this too. So does KT.

Bottom line: right now if there's an odd man out, it's Parra.

 

[azsportsfan01]

Precisely..

Gibby's a smart manager. He knows this too. So does KT.

Bottom line: right now if there's an odd man out, it's Parra.

If they were smart they would sell high on Parra. His value will never be higher. I think most people would agree what we saw out of Parra last year is near his peak. Obviously he could still improve but I think the smarter money is on him to regress a little. With the amount of outfield prospects we have in the minors that will be ready soon (Pollock and Eaton) as well as some of the guys who are a few years away (Linton, Borchering, Brito) now is the time to sell.

 

[overseascardfan]

If they were smart they would sell high on Parra. His value will never be higher. I think most people would agree what we saw out of Parra last year is near his peak. Obviously he could still improve but I think the smarter money is on him to regress a little. With the amount of outfield prospects we have in the minors that will be ready soon (Pollock and Eaton) as well as some of the guys who are a few years away (Linton, Borchering, Brito) now is the time to sell.

If he could net us a good, young 3B whether being a big leaguer or top prospect then I am all for it.

 

[green machine]

Parra doesn't have the range or arm to play CF. By going from Young to Parra, you're potentially giving up a huge defensive differential.

I'm willing to take that risk in LF, going from a Gold Glove defensive LF to one who's not as strong with the upgrade in hitting. I'm not willing to do the same with CF. Too much of a risk.

Bolded part is false. Chris Young's arm is mediocre, at best. Parra, on the other hand, has a cannon. Much better arm. As for range, I think given time to learn CF he'd be just as good as Young. That said, there would be a dropoff there, especially early on.

 

[azsportsfan01]

Bolded part is false. Chris Young's arm is mediocre, at best. Parra, on the other hand, has a cannon. Much better arm. As for range, I think given time to learn CF he'd be just as good as Young. That said, there would be a dropoff there, especially early on.

His arm would be great in center but it would be wasted. As for range, you can't teach it. You either have it or you don't and Parra does not have the range for center. Hell look at the routes he takes in left where there is very little ground to cover. With him in center for a full season the D-Backs would give up a ton of doubles and triples. There are very few centerfielders as good as Young and it is definitely not something that is taught.

 

[Gaddabout]

Agreed. I can't bear to watch Young at the plate, but he definitely means more as a defender in CF than Parra.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Bolded part is false. Chris Young's arm is mediocre, at best. Parra, on the other hand, has a cannon. Much better arm. As for range, I think given time to learn CF he'd be just as good as Young. That said, there would be a dropoff there, especially early on.

He does have a good arm and range.. For left field. Center at Chase is a different animal.

My issue with moving him to center is simple.. The range factor would KILL him. I don't think that's an asset you can tinker with, it's either there or not and honestly I'd rather not risk it at this stage in the game. Young frustrates the hell out of me at times, but I also think he's got more going for him as a CF than Parra does as a potential CF.

 

[devilalum]

Anybody That Thinks Parra Can Cover Centerfield As Well As Cy Is Delusional!!!

 

[PDXChris]

Anyone still against this signing? I was on the fence at the time, but I am very happy so far. He has been solid so far after a slow start. With Young out, we would have a huge hole in the OF right now.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

I was really happy we signed him and this is why.

 

[Gaddabout]

I'm glad he's doing well, but I'm still holding judgment until July.

 

[Matt L]

I'm glad he's doing well, but I'm still holding judgment until July.

Where is the fun in that?

 

[Dback Jon]

I'm glad he's doing well, but I'm still holding judgment until July.

And?


I am happy to say I was wrong!

KUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUBEL!!

 

[devilalum]

Without Kubel this team would have about 30 wins right now.

 

[BC867]

Without Kubel this team would have about 30 wins right now.

Leading the league in RBI's and outfield assists. With a batting average of .294 and a slugging percentage of .566. And he just turned 30 two months ago.

He is the strength in the heart of the order. It really makes us wonder why Upton didn't take advantage of it batting ahead of him. But batting fifth seems to have taken pressure off JUp, with lower expectations than being "the man" batting third.

Also, I really like what Bloomquist (although not a classic leadoff hitter) has brought to the #1 spot. He makes those who follow him in the order better, just as my all-time favorite D'back Craig Counsell did when he was moved to leadoff.

 

[Dback Jon]

Another HR as Dbacks sweep the Astros

 

[Dback Jon]

B.A up to .300.

Leads NL in RBI's
Second in NL in HR

 

[AZ Native]

See, this is a reason we have to take all of our opinions with a grain of salt. If we were that good, we would be calling the shots. I wasn't crazy (or against the Kubel signing), I just thought with Parra, Young and Upton, the outfield was not in as bad shape as some of the other positions. Obviously, I underestimated the great things Kubel brings to our team. He is the only reason we still have a shot at anything. I love watching him play and he seems to inspire the team as well. A great move by KT that had many of us scratching our heads.

 

[Gaddabout]

And?


I am happy to say I was wrong!

KUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUBEL!!

Yeah. Someone owes me an 'I told you so.' I think it might be Chris Sanders.