Running 2011 Baseball Thread, Vol. I: Dedicated to spnited

FanGraphs constructs an aging curve for heavy players (using a sample of 205 fat guys) and paints a bleak picture for whoever signs Prince Fielder.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/how-will-prince-fielder-age/

 

If he didn't have that no trade clause, I would bet they would flip him in a second so they could sign Pujols. I still wouldn't be totally stunned if they signed him anyway and told Tex to enjoy DH-ing. And yes, I know they need to keep that spot open for A-Rod in the future, but they also might just do it just to prove they don't give a fuck.

 

As a Cardinal fan, I'd like to think the results of the last two months will help to re-sign Albert. Perhaps a more upbeat or congenial mood to the negotiations; positive vibes and feelings as opposed to negative ones. Wishful thinking perhaps, but after these two months, why not have the dream year continue...

 

Good stuff, but I don't think it came off *that* bleak. It looks like heavy players are prone to slightly earlier peaks and slightly quicker aging curves. I wouldn't want him on a 10-year deal, but 5 or 6 still looks fine.

 

edited for one minor correction:

 

I hope you're right.

 

Depends if you want him to play a position. Fielder's already poor defense coupled with his aging is a big concern. He ain't going to be getting smaller.

 

Totally off-topic, but I love the Mellencamp lyrics in your signature.

"Minutes to Memories" might be my favorite song by him.

Carry on.

 

I'm still sort of fascinated by the fact that Cruz has to live with the fact that he had a chance to win the World Series by catching that ball Freese hit -- because while it wouldn't have been an easy catch, if he takes a better route to that ball, he absolutely could have caught it and should have caught it -- but he didn't. I don't see how that feeling ever goes away. Maybe he'll just live in denial. I probably would.

As is often appropriately pointed out, the damn game was tied when Buckner let the ball get through his legs. That play wins the goddamn World Series. Still sort of unreal.

I suppose Scott Feldman might feel similarly. One pitch away with Berkman at the plate. But still, Freese's triple is caught if you get a good jump and track the ball better.

 

Why not?

Maybe a new team would require him to trim down? Maybe it's written in a new contract? Maybe some players in the clubhouse would give him enough pressure that he wants to trim down?

Living in, oh, I dunno, Newport Beach, could do wonders on his desire to get fit.

 

Resaved for posterity.

 

I find it extremely hilarious that the Brewers are being mentioned in the same breath as the big-market teams.