casimir

Get a couple of NBA players to drop their gloves and fight at tip off?

There’s probably room for Jung, McKinstry, and Baez on the roster at the same time in a not so unbelievable scenario.

That was good, thanks for sharing.

Stavenhagen mentioned something about 3B that we might be missing at the 10,000 foot level. Maybe there’s more of a Jung/Ibanez platoon at 3B than we think at this point. So, ok, let’s think about the IF…. They played Keith vs LHPs last season (somebody had to with all of the LHHs). Torres is the everyday 2B. Sweeney/Baez at SS. McKinstry (versatile defensively) and Ibanez (to hit vs LHPs) probably make the team. OK, sure, nothing new here. 6 players there. The OF of Greene and Meadows in LF and CF. Probably close to everyday, but they still will need days out of the OF (DH day or rest day for Greene, day off for Meadows vs certain LHPs). Carpenter who they won’t hit vs LHPs. 3 players there. So now up to 9 non C and non P. Room for 1 more because Vierling takes a spot. But to whom does that last spot go to, and how will that dictate Vierling’s usage? If it’s one of Malloy/Torkelson, we’ll that probably pushes Vierling to more OF time (although theoretically McKinstry could get a little time). If it’s Perez, than that probably allows Vierling to get more time on the dirt. But it likely wouldn’t be at the expense of Ibanez, although when you think about him, he’s probably going to be am option at 1B vs LHPs.

I would guess Jobe is slated for a maximum of 150 innings based off his previous seasons and how teams try to build younger arms up. How they accomplish this, I’m not sure. As far as cold/climate, that might be a factor in the approach to this season. I suspect it’s going to be more about how his forecasted innings are gated throughout the season. Do they start his season out with shorter outings? Do they have him miss a start here and there when the schedule allows or when Hinch tries a pitching chaos game? Some sort of combination of the two? I know he debuted last season and pitched in the playoffs. I’m glad the depth is such to where they shouldn’t feel compelled to starting him in Detroi on Opening Day if there isn’t a need to. They can afford to be patient with him. At the same time, if his stuff is ready, then how do they find a way to not waste those pitches while watching his stamina? Maybe that’s where he opens and goes through a lineup once or maybe 3 innings total and then he’s done for earlier in the season starts? It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.

That’s fantastic trivia. You win the day.

For a 26 man roster.

Even better was that Julio Franco was chatting Panda up at 1B because Franco was actually playing 1B.

Didn’t Hinch say an off-season or two ago something to the effect of “we’re building a good program in Detroit, so if you (free agents) want to win, come join us, and if not, we’ll beat you”?

Well, I guess I think there’s room for Ivey to grow. We’ve seen that this season. He’s picked up his 3 point efficiency as an example. I guess I’d like to see what else he’s capable of. A (3 man) perimeter of Cunningham, Ivey, and Thompson could be awfully fun to watch. Bring back Beasley. Holland as an energy guy. That’s a good rotation for 1-3 and some time at 4 in small lineups. And @1984Echoes brings up a good point about fit. If they move Ivey for a player that’s a better fit, ok, I get it. If a team wants to overreach for him (or anyone), I get it. Maybe a team offers up a similar talent that is more cohesive to the backcourt, maybe a better defender given Cunningham’s defense. So, I’m not saying he’s untradeable. I think the Pistons should listen to any deal. But I think there’s more potential to tap with Ivey. The fluke injury sucks for him and the team, it’s a shame.

Drawing a blank on CBT.

Ivey was showing some good improvement this season, including on the defensive end. If he’s worth only a 5th starter type, I’d prefer to hold onto him at this point.

I get why, but I think it’s a bit much. I understand Torkelson is running out of chances and Jung is the shiny new toy. But I don’t think it’s as cut and dry that Torkleson is a wash out and Jung is the 3B of the future. On the other hand, Torkleson’s recent commentary doesn’t really help his cause.

I was kidding about Torkleson at 3B.

I think this seems reasonably most likely at this point. Maybe Jung, Torkelson, Malloy, and Perez (in no particular order) are fighting for one spot.

Try him at 3B again?

Our timing was impeccable.

That’s a Shawn Kemp kind of pace.

Hope he likes Toledo.

Isn’t Lillard in the 3 point shooting contest? I know a guy that could replace a guy…..

I’m not sold on Jung at 3B, not based on what was shown in his call up. It doesn’t mean he can’t do it, but I’d feel better about some time at Toledo to work on that. If Baez can be a legit everyday SS, or at least maybe the left side of the IF is handled well by Baez, Sweeney, and Vierling, that should …. OK, OK, maybe I’m being too optimistic on a wintry mix day.

One guess as to who Rendon’s top batting comparison is on bbref.

Fouls. Too many dumb ones. Too many times in early foul trouble. Still not much of an offensive game aside from pick and rolls, but damnit if those pick and rolls aren’t an almost guaranteed two points. Defense is still lacking, but nobody plays defense these days.

I liked what Kelser mentioned about how Thompson and Holland give an on court energy similar to Rodman and Salley. I’ve had that thought about Holland for a while. Thompson, while it never occurred to me, I see what he’s saying there, too. I’m just happy to see him recover from a disappointing rookie season.

Box score fun: The Hornets actually outscored the Pistons in 3 of the 4 quarters.