Ethier, ranking in all of MLB by OPS (qualified hitters):
2011: 44
2010: 30
2009: 43
2008: 26
So you have a guy who would qualify as the best bat on his team, maybe second best, for most teams in the league, and patch the gaping wound in the OF, and the complaint is "His D is kinda ugly so he can't play LF for us?"
That offense has been produced consistently (not a one year spike like Beltre, but consistently) in a pitcher's park. His handedness is also suited to our park, which means that transition won't eat him alive either. He's under 30. And thanks to the divorce disaster with the Dodgers and their ownership situation he's probably available.
There comes a time when you're being penny-wise and pound-foolish. Is he the perfect ballplayer? No. Wanna bet on Grady Sizemore or someone instead? Hey, guess who's outhit Sizemore for his career...
Some kid named Ethier.
Ibanez was laughed at, derided, and wanted out of town on a rail at the earliest opportunity. He was the only reliable hitter we had. Ethier puts up the same stat line every year.
I dunno if you would be satisfied with a 6.0 RC/27 and 130 OPS+ every season, but I would have tears streaming down my face at the gift from above to have that stat line from another player for 4-5 years.
I have a RF who is the "total package" of defense, offense, baserunning, etc...and I can't hit him in the MOTO and he can't drive in any runs. Gardner plays better D than Ethier, no question. He can't hit MOTO either. Is he cheaper? Sure. Would he be better than what we have? You bet. But LF and DH are our only power positions available to add heavy hitters. Do you want Randy Winn, or Raul Ibanez+ out there in LF for you? What are your needs?
The pitchers can handle their own run prevention right now, and we have CFs who can cover a country mile. Neither of those groups can drive in runs though.
Get me someone who can, be it Ethier or someone else. Aiming the target at pretty defense has our offense in a triangle choke hold and attempting to tap out.
~G
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