In 2004, Piazza had a 694 OPS on the road. In 2005, he had a 725 OPS on the road. Yes, not catching will help him a little. But the reality is that most of the damage to his body has already been done. I’ve seen a number of veteran catchers become designated hitters late in their careers, and none of them have found their bat suddenly rejuvenated.

There’s no way in hell that Piazza in 2007 is going to match Thomas’ 2006 OPS of 926 over 500 plate appearances. I feel very comfortable saying that Pizza will post an OPS under 850 next year with Oakland, and he’ll do that while getting a significant amount of rest against tough right-handed pitching.

Not that this is necessarily a bad move on Beane’s part, given the lack of alternatives. But this is not a move with anywhere near the upside that the Thomas signing had last year. There’s a very good chance that next season Piazza won’t even match the worst OPS that Thomas has ever posted in a season (minimum 100 plate appearances)

I read Murray Chass this a.m. and saw your brain explode.

Why not challenge him to a duel?

Comment by redsoxtimes — December 7, 2006 @ 4:16 pm

88 years and still counting.

Him and Buster are both enjoyable on a daily basis, although Buster seems to be going on a bit more offense lately which always a little concerning for a sportswriter. I do find it hilarious however that he publishes the “you are so biased” letters from simultaneously angry sox and yankees fans after the same published opinion regarding one of the teams. Love a good bias debunking.

I’d presume Phillips gets his rumors from his hair stylist, although I bet it takes more than one to keep that helmet of spray and wax perfected. The best part is how ESPN basically ran a little with his Bonds/Sox insanity and actually asked Gammons about it, who said No as respectively as he could muster. Really I think they should have had Peter being in the middle of a drink of water and then spit it out all over karl ravech when he hears the question. (THIS IS…SPORTSCENTER)

I wonder if they all play jokes on Steve in between takes, making him spell words or match up current general managers with their teams.

About your statement in the Slate piece about the Yankees playing the market better than anyone else; It’s a little premature don’t you think? I mean, it remains to be seen but $15m for Pettite and $18m for a half year of the Rocket is completely at odds with your statement: “After years of binging on overpaid veterans, the Bronx Bombers have developed a sudden fondness for developing and acquiring young players.” Looks like they’re trying but old habits die hard.