>From: ksmmoore3@...
>
>I really have mixed emotions about loosing Kent. Obviously, he is a run
>producer, as he led the team in RBI's. He also led the universe in hitting
>into
>DP's. I thought he played a pretty credible 2B. He might not have the
>greatest range, but he generally made all the plays, and his arm allowed
>him to throw
>some guys out from well behind the bag.

I think we offered him a fair deal. I thought his defense was average when
he put forth 100%. Yes, it is hard to duplicate his offensive numbers, I
agree. I think the Dodgers overpaid him. I also think if they do put him
at third or first which might happen, they will be in trouble.

Not signing him will free up
>considerable cash. Enough to sign Beltran? Probably not.

That's my thing as well. I don't want to see that cash held onto. I want
it spent on other needed talent, Beltran or not.

I have seen where Biggio
>wants to return to 2B. The kid you're thinking of is Chris Burke. He had
>a
>pretty good year at New Orleans, and he may in fact be ready to play for
>the
>big club. We really won't know until he does play, however. There is no
>question that he is the 2B of the future. Is that future in 2005? Maybe.
>I think
>the club wants to give Jason Lane every chance to be a regular outfielder.
>Further complicating matters is Berkman's injury. He is certain to be
>unavailable for the first month or so, and who knows how long it might take
>him to
>round into shape.

I've read that Biggio and Burke (thus far) may compete for second base (of
course they must ask Biggio if he is willing to go back to that position
first). I've also read that depending on other moves, there could be a
chance that Chris Burke and his speed may be an option for an outfield
position with Lance being out as you've suggested. As well, Biggio could be
in the outfield with Lane and Berkman, while C.B. takes second base. With
that we'd have a decent runner in Biggio and pretty darn good runners in
Everett and Burke, imho, in the lineup. Willy Taveras is also a speedy guy
but he was just reinjured during the fall league I believe. I also think
I've read that he was working on becoming a switch hitter.

There are a lot of things still up in the air, including, of
>course, The Rocket. If he comes back for another year, that alone
>solidifies
>the rotation to a great extent. Then you throw a healthy Pettite, a
>healthy
>Miller, and Roy O. into the mix, and you've got one of the best rotations
>anywhere, at least one through four. The bullpen is what scares me.
>Getting to
>Lidge was a problem this past season. There was just no one who was
>consistently
>dependable, so I'd love to see them upgrade in that area.

Qualls is decent and we've given Springer an invitation to spring training.
What will we do with Backe? If he doesn't start, either way, I think his
confidence level is boosted from his past performances and he'll do good in
the pen. Does anyone have any speculation on Duckworth, Hernandez and
Redding? I'm wondering who we'll get for Redding. I just don't see another
chance for him...not another season on this club. Perhaps Garner would do
him some good, who knows.

Does anyone have any predictions for the starting lineup and the starting
rotation?