25 replies to this topic

[BSLRoseKatz]

https://www.mlbtrade..._source=twitter

[BaltBird 24]

Very good defensive CF until this year.

[BobPhelan]

Still only 27. Dylan Carlson replacement I’m guessing.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

I hated Carlson so much.

Only 27. Is arb elig for '27 should he bounce back in a bigger way. You never know right. Laureano was expected to be a 4th or 5th OF too.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Here's my favorite line in the entire article. Dear FO, its ok to actually sign or trade for players that are quality players today. Nothing wrong with "flyers" but when do we go get a true front runner? WE need a starter more than depth.

 

"Baltimore will take a flyer on Taveras as potential center field depth. "

[BobPhelan]

It’s also ok to sign depth players and keep the roster churn going on the fringes.

[mikezpen]

Thankfully looks like a Carlson replacement at minimum -or- the RH half of a Cowser CF platoon if he doesn't pan out as the FT centerfielder.

[Mackus]

Thankfully looks like a Carlson replacement at minimum -or- the RH half of a Cowser CF platoon if he doesn't pan out as the FT centerfielder.

Cowser is a better hitter against LHP than Taveras. Taveras doesn't make much sense as a platoon partner.

[BobPhelan]

I think he’s just 4/5th OF depth. New meta is to pay guys above the minimum so they have a better chance to stay in AAA when you DFA them because they forfeit the money if they elect free agency and it’s more expensive for a team to claim them.

[Mike B]

I think he’s just 4/5th OF depth. New meta is to pay guys above the minimum so they have a better chance to stay in AAA when you DFA them because they forfeit the money if they elect free agency and it’s more expensive for a team to claim them.

Yea, this sounds right.  A few years ago he was solid.  Either way no reason to get mad, unless you're looking for a reason to get mad.

[Mike B]

I hated Carlson so much.

Only 27. Is arb elig for '27 should he bounce back in a bigger way. You never know right. Laureano was expected to be a 4th or 5th OF too.

Fair enough.  My guess is Taveras is better than Carlson but not as good as Laureano.

[Mackus]

Carlson has been a consistently better hitter than Taveras. Can't speak to defense.

[mikezpen]

Cowser is a better hitter against LHP than Taveras. Taveras doesn't make much sense as a platoon partner.

Not True

 

Career-wise, Taveras hits .234 against lefties while Cowser is at .208. Last yr., he hit .276 while Cowser was at .188.

[makoman]

Not True

Career-wise, Taveras hits .234 against lefties while Cowser is at .208. Last yr., he hit .276 while Cowser was at .188.

Look at more than BA.

[mikezpen]

You can. But w/an 88-point difference in BA, the other sabre stats better be pretty damn awesome to change my thinking.

[Mackus]

Not True

Career-wise, Taveras hits .234 against lefties while Cowser is at .208. Last yr., he hit .276 while Cowser was at .188.

That's batting average. That's not how you should describe quality of someone's hitting, even as a coarse explanation.

[mikezpen]

Taveras also is ahead in career OBA. It's lousy, but Cowser is worse.

[Mackus]

Taveras has a 613 OPS for his career against LHP. Cowser is 647.  

 

Since 2024 started, Taveras is at 543 and Cowser at 652.

 

OPS isn't the one true source, but its far better than just AVG and still better than OBP alone.  Neither player is good against LHP, but Taveras is not a platoon candidate with Cowser if the goal is to improve the team against LHP.  He's even worse at the plate against LHP.  If you want to tell me his glove is so much better that it makes up for the offensive deficiencies, maybe, but I don't think anyone is selling him as that level of defender.  Not like Cowser is unplayable in CF.  He's passable at worst.

[mikezpen]

Taveras is better in bat. avg. and OBP against lefties. I fail to see how you can insist he's worse than Cowser against LH's.You lose me there. I have no thoughts on defense; didn't consider it.

 

Neither is great and if U want to really improve against the southpaws, Taveras isn't the guy to do it. I agree w/you there. Let's face it: the Orioles haven't made any really significant moves yet this off season. Some nice ones, yes, but nothing major. We'll have to wait on that I guess.

[BobPhelan]

What is slugging percentage anyway right?