With Ben Broussard gone, sadly, because of a worthless deal, we don't have a back-up for when Sexson folds in May or gets traded to a contender who needs potential power. I have a solution. Tony Clark.
Clark is an imposing figure, standing 6'7" and weighing in at 245 pounds. The guy is a swith-hitting power bat who has more power success from the left side of the plate. A pull, power hitter is what Seattle has always lacked in Safeco. The fact that he's a switch hitter makes him all the more appealing because once Sexson hits the wall, Clark can fill in full time, hitting against both lefties and righties. When given playing time, Clark has been a successful power bat. Every year that he's played more than 130 games, he's hit more than 30 home runs. I won't lie, the guy strikes out quite a bit, about 1/4 of the time, but not like we haven't seen that in Sexson. Honestly, he can't do worse than Sexson did last year.
With a career slugging percentage of about .500, an on-base percentage of about .350 and batting average of about .265, he's not a huge risk because he won't command Sexson like money for a 2-year deal. He's made just over 1 million in each of the last two years. With his age, 35, he won't be able to ask for much more than that, if at all. I say we take the chance after losing our back-up, Broussard.
I learned today that the Diamondbacks have pulled their two-year offer off the table because of the Chris Burke pick-up in the Jose Valverde trade.
Thoughts?
12/16/07
Filling 1st Base
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4 comments:
I think the M's are thinking they can make clement into a first baseman and have him back up for both Johjima and Sexson and if sexson really sucks plug him into first. Thats just my opinion
zev: only the fans are thinking that clement can be made into a first baseman. the mariners have said nothing of it. That would be cool to have Clement as your everyday first baseman and backup catcher. that way you could carry an extra pitcher or infielder.
Dustin: i've also thought of this idea, but I'd rather see how the offseason plays out first. He would be an adequate backup, and with few other offers he may actually consider seattle. I'd think a National League team would suit him better as he'd make an appearance almost every game as a pinch hitter.
I'd rather give the left-handed kid in AAA, Brian Lahair, a chance than sign a declining, aging Tony Clark.
Lahair hit the ball well last season at Tacoma (.275 avg, 46 doubles, 12 homeruns) and although his OBP was down a bit last season probably because he struck out so much, he's always been very strong in that department. He's also a decent sized kid at 6'5" although he has some room to fill out and add some power at only 215 lbs.
I don't see anything special in Tony Clark though. He's been horrendous at the plate for two seasons.
fwbrodie: I'm willing to give a proven major leaguer a chance over a kid who Ks alot in AAA.
Jon: The Mariners have said they have thought about moving Clement to first. I read it a while ago, and the article is most likely burried, but I remember reading it.
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