Uribe 2006

[SoLongFrank]

What are Ozzie's expectations of Uribe for 2006? I don't think they are in line with what Uribe did in 2004.

I think Sagarin paints a better picture than the usual numbers for what Ozzie expects.
Usual numbers: 2005 Uribe 712 OPS vs 2004 Uribe 833 OPS.

Sag numbers:
2005 Uribe 58R, 71RBI, 481 AB, 159 On-Base, 366 outs vs 2004 Uribe 82R, 74RBI, 502AB, 177 On-Base, 371 outs

Uribe scored 22 more runs in 2004 with a slight increase in AB's. That was the biggest difference.

Over the 2 yrs he generated an avg of 368 outs, so I think Ozzie expects the same in 2006.

Which is why I like the move. What better player to control at the plate than one you can predict consistently?

Uribe is a better hitter with runner's on. 2005 none on: 713 OPS, runner's on: 768 OPS. 2004? 819 OPS vs 855 OPS.

I think the deciding factor of whether this move sticks after ST is Uribe's ability to lay down a bunt. I believe he has better speed than Iguchi so if he can master dragging a bunt he should be able to create more hit & run sits for Pods. As long as he can do that in ST I think Ozzie will keep him there. If he can't then Iguchi will be dissapointed but accept the move back.

I think Uribe's 2004 #'s are partly due to being new to the AL. I don't see him getting back to those numbers.

[batmanZoSo]

I voted breakout for many reasons. A, I have a man-crush on Uribe; 2, it's assuming Ozzie is batting him second in front of Thome; and D, optimism rules.

Plus, I just think Uribe has one monster season in him. He's got so much pop that if he could just get it together and take some pitches he could really sneak up on everybody. Maybe 2004 was his best year (23 homers), but we'll see.

[Gavin]

We're gonna need more polls.

[WSox8404]

Well if he is going to be in the second spot and do a good job at it, I would not expect his power numbers to skyrocket. This means he should increase his average a little for he won't be swinging for the fences as much. I just hope to God that he will learn to take a few pitches and move runners along because I think we have a goldmine in Iguchi hitting further down in the lineup. Is it just me or do others think Iguchi can hit 35 homers a year? When he hits them, they go far.

[Baby Fisk]

We're gonna need more polls.
We may have the successor to the appreciation thread. :o:

[VivaOzzie]

We're gonna need more polls.

:roflmao:

[TomBradley72]

I voted break out....if you look at how Uribe did after Sept. 1st (regular and post season): 40 games-.290-8-22....spread out over 140 games (he played in 146 in 2005): .290-28-77 combined with his glove work...one of the best SS's in the league...HR's and RBI's would put him among the top 3 in the AL.

[hold2dibber]

Whoops - I hit the wrong button. I meant to hit "improve" but accidentally hit "decline". While I'm somewhat afraid that a few of last year's contributors could take a step back in '06 (particularly Politte, Iguchi, Cotts and Hermanson), I like the odds of Uribe getting better. The guy has a ton of talent and I saw a lot of signs last year, particularly at the end of last year, that he's finally putting it all together. Getting him was an absolute master-stroke by KW.

[Stoky44]

I really think Uribe will be about the same and not be able to succeed in the 2 hole. I see Tadahito going back to his old spot.

[Hitmen77]

I'll be very interested in seeing how the #2 hitter experiment works out - and if it doesn't work, how quickly Ozzie pulls the plug on it.

[HomeFish]

I think Uribe will take a lot of ugly swings, hit a lot of home runs, and play stellar defense.

He'll be the same old Juan we know and love. And I don't really have a problem with that. We've proven that that's all we need from him.

[MasQbellesa]

Let's just hope he gets his visa and can get off the island!

[crazyozzie02]

Personally I think this man is in the top-3 of SS in the AL. This guy WILL be an all*star. YOU CAN MARK MY WORDS. He makes me say Arron Miles who?