One of your finest. I would enjoy GM Dectecto press conferences. Here are my questions:
So...Ketel Marte. You have a kid performing admirably at the ML level at age 21, but with an eye we haven't detected in his repertoire until a month and a half or so ago. There is also the possibility that Marte and Cano create a synergy in the heart of the defense that is hard to measure vis a vis a superior hitting Brad Miller (who is kinda worthless against the lefties however). Someone published a study at Fangraphs or LL a couple seasons back about how Bb/K stats amazingly stabilize after 70 PAs or so. In other words, you are what you do in 70 (or so) consecutive at bats so far as walks to K's are concerned. And walks to K's are the MLE gold standard that determines in large, very large part, whether you are going to hit in the majors (it helps to add some power.in the mix). If I am remembering correctly, then Ketel's improved eye looks real. Incidentally, I remember reading this and applying it to Alex Liddi, who was showing (like Romero for a bit this year) a stretch of patience in Tacoma at the plate. He reverted to form well within the 70 mark (Romero did as well, just as soon as I suggested to Matt we may have a new hitter in Romero). I need to find that study. Anybody out there remember it? if we can find it, it will go far in managing that question.
If Montero is ready to re-assume everyday status, how do you know? A good spring? A great spring? he's still underperforming. Do we apply the 70 PA rule to him? Some guys hit so well, you can live with the poor eye. Is Jesus one of them (and see below).
Feeling any differently about Gutierrez for 2016? Is his eye still a concern, or has he transcended it? All second half long, when he plays, he hits. A Guti in the lineup has been money in the bank.