Josh Phelps

[PirateNut]

Anybody else disappointed that Josh Phelps is no longer on the Pirate bench?

I was bummed when I found out he was DFA and then the Cardinals picked him up a week or so ago.

It's not like the Pirates are deep in the pinch hitting department. If they plan on using someone like Pearce off the bench I'll go nuts, he needs to play on a regular basis.

[ECBucs]

I don't mind that Phelps is gone.  IF he was adequate at catcher and/or outfield I would welcome him back.

I don't think he will hit 340 again.

I really hope that Huntington trades Marte in spring training.  I can't believe the ChiSox are paying Dotel so much money and am still disappointed in the apparent return for Torres.

It seems like both Marte and Torres could have decent value.  For Torres maybe the Bucs know he is done so they took what they could get.  My view is that he could have demonstrated in spring training that he was healthy and brought back better talent. 

[Possum]

Phelps being gone dosen't bother me a bit.  First off he was not the difference maker this team needs on a long term basis.  Yes, he did deliver a couple key hits last season but he was not a starter and can't be counted on to do the same in 2008 based upon his history.

Second, he was a rightyhitter at PNC Park and we need a lefty or two to come off the bench and also be able to play more than just 1B on a competent basis and be an emergency catcher as Phelps was.

This team will find someone who will be able to do what Phelps did and most likely at a lower salary than Phelps would command.

[Bucfan]

Short answer: Yes.

Phelps destroys L-handed pitching.  His splits last year against L-handers were .314/.392/.500.  He had 4 HR's in just 86 at bats.

He can hit, which is something that the Pirates lack.

[81omar]

  He wouldve went to arbitration this year coming off a strong showing with the team so they probably figured it wasnt worth it to have a guy making that much when hes going to mainly be a pinch hitter and a bad fielder.I think if he was a better catcher he wouldve still been around.

   Basically he wouldnt be the difference between a sub 500 team like they are now and a contender,so its hard to lament his departure.His role on the Yankees was a good one for him and I was surprised they got rid of him but it was a roster numbers crunch that got him

[Doumits Girl]

I was very upset by the matter.  The Pirates' bench has been wretched the past few seasons, then Dave Littlefield miraculously grabs a guy capable of posting a 1.000+ OPS in a bench role with the team, and our new GM lets him go for nothing?

I can't wait for a full season of Chris Gomez popping up with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th inning.


Jacen

[soggybottoms]

I really don't get why defense is so highly valued for bench players instead of offense.

I think that is why Phelps was let go, because they already have similar players in Doumit and Pearce as far as the positions they can play, and they wanted someone who could back up 3rd and 2nd, hence we get Gomez.

But to me, the one key at bat in the 7th-9th inning is more important than the potential play in the field that may or may not happen.  For example, if we put Phelps in at 3rd base or 2nd base, will his defensive shortcomings likely matter?  I think the statistics show that the average 3rd baseman makes 3 putouts per game.  So on average, 1 play every 3 innings.  And that play will likely be routine, one I might even be able to make...  But a guy who can pinch hit is valuable, and the difference in a quality pinch-hitter over a Jose Hernandez pinch hitter when the game is on the line seems like a bigger difference than the defense you give up.

If I was the manager, I think I would stack my bench in the following way:
1 super-sub who is almost good enough to be a regular, like a Jose Bautista or Rob Mackowiak, who can play 1B, 3B, or OF
1 middle-infield (ss, 2B, and by extension 3B) who has a good enough glove to play for a few days in case of injury.  Teach him to be the emergency catcher as well.
1 super speedy guy who can pinch run and steal in crucial situations (Chris Duffy?)
2 guys who can rake, regardless of position.  Good pinch hitters who can win you a game in the bottom of the 9th.  Maybe a Sammy Sosa?

Do we have that on the current team?
super-sub:  Gomez (but not good enough of a hitter to fit my description)
defensive IF:  Josh Wilson
Super Speed:  Morgan?
Great Hitter #1:  Doumit
Great Hitter #2:  ? In my opinion this should have been Phelps

[bAnimal]

Possum is right.  We dont need Phelps.

[Dogknot3]

For Torres maybe the Bucs know he is done so they took what they could get. 

[Dogknot3]

Not sure how to quote someone yet...


But here is my response about Torres:


Torres was so done.  He would have just been released by most teams.  I was happy they got anything for him.  It was a good trade and he was unhappy about his baseball school too.