Saggese in the outfield

[Jatalk]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/th ... 5a82&ei=32

I don’t know why they say we didn’t see this coming. It’s been talked about for months.

I guess it’s worth a try but it is just another attempt to take a player from his natural position to the outfield. We moved Walker, we played Burley out there, put IH out there, Donovan. I know I’m missing someone.

This has been going on for at least 2 to 3 years. Why Bloom didn’t see the need to get some outfield help I’ll never understand. And please don’t respond that it doesn’t matter, we aren’t competing anyway. Yet we feel the need to have young players slotted into infield positions so they can develop. The organization has missed for years on outfielders. Is Bloom blind to this?

While I agree with your basic thought, Burly isn't a great example. In college he played 1b 67 games, OF 54 Games, and pitched in 43 games. So they really didn't convert him. He was already a 1b/OF with a side of pitching

In minors he played 180 OF and only 1 game at 1b.

Thanks for the correction. He has never seemed like a natural outfielder to me.

[renostl]

He is a ballplayer. He will be able to handle the OF. Some guys have the ability to play wherever needed. Saggese is that kind of player. If he hits, they will find a spot for him.

Agree.
This natural position label is overused. Where we play was always dependent on the
entire roster. Players frequently get moved.
He has above average speed, matches Winn at 28.4 ft/sec close to Church's 28.7 and
well above Donovan 26.6 and Burleson's 25.5 ft/sec.

His velo on throws did better than the eye test. 83 mph as a SS. Right in line with NA and NG 83.3 and 83.4

IF he hits nobody will worry about his speed or arm. He's also not trying to put
Judge on the bench.

[Shady]

I can see LF in a pinch (like Noot not being ready OD).

But he lacks the speed to cover the alleys in CF..............the arm to play RF.

I agree. LF makes the most sense. I just hope Saggese hits to his ability.

I'm not sold on him ever being more than J.A.G. offensively.

I disagree. For one thing, is the amazing success he had as a very young pro in the minors. Another is how young and inexperienced he is at the MLB level.

I can list you dozens of Cardinal minor league players over the years who tore up MiLB but it never translated to MLB.

He looks overmatched to me.

Put your money on I. Hererra & JJW if you want to see hitters.

Burleson is a an example of a player that had some outstanding minor league stats. And he followed up with becoming a very good MLB hitter. I hope both Wetherholt and Saggese follow suit. As you know, some very young players that start slow in the MLB do make progress. Some don't. I hope Saggese is in the first category.

You're repeating yourself as we've had this discussion before, no comparison....apples to oranges.

JJW doesn't belong in the same sentence as Sagesse given he's a top shelf prospect while Saggese isn't.

From your previous OPS predictions, I assume you feel Wetherholt will be a more productive MLB hitter than Burleson from the getgo. If that comes to fruition, it would be sweet.

[ScotchMIrish]

He is a better hitter than our third baseman and one or more of our outfielders. It appears the play is for him to be a utility player. Not sure how that impacts his bat.

[Pura Vida]

You really don't see a strong backup CFer. Why not...he will be coming off the bench.

[renostl]

He is a better hitter than our third baseman and one or more of our outfielders. It appears the play is for him to be a utility player. Not sure how that impacts his bat.

He looked over matched at times but he's far from a finished product.

As a player on the roster he has value even as an athletic RH option at 2B, 3B
and LF. IF he would happen to win any one of those jobs, there is upside
that the previous owner at UT didn't have.

[BrockFloodMaris]

I can see LF in a pinch (like Noot not being ready OD).

But he lacks the speed to cover the alleys in CF..............the arm to play RF.

I agree. LF makes the most sense. I just hope Saggese hits to his ability.

I'm not sold on him ever being more than J.A.G. offensively.

I disagree. For one thing, is the amazing success he had as a very young pro in the minors. Another is how young and inexperienced he is at the MLB level.

There have been thousands of hitters who thrived in the Minor leagues and then struggled mightily in the big show. Those are the infamous AAAA hitters. I’m not saying that is what he is, but it’s too soon to tell. I hope he’s the real deal.

[ilcubuffs]

The Oh Sh*t moment happens when Gorman is finally announced as DOA at 3B.

[renostl]

The Oh Sh*t moment happens when Gorman is finally announced as DOA at 3B.

Maybe.

I rather get some conclusions about NG than none.
ie he looks okay putting up a .740 OPS and then has IL time.

He'll not likely be a defensive replacement anywhere so
his bat has to play. I think that there are options if he's not
capable.

[RamFan08NY]

He would be ok out there i think. He's not going to be good, but he could serviceably fill a spot in my opinion

Not going to be good, based on what?

[ScotchMIrish]

He is a better hitter than our third baseman and one or more of our outfielders. It appears the play is for him to be a utility player. Not sure how that impacts his bat.

He looked over matched at times but he's far from a finished product.

As a player on the roster he has value even as an athletic RH option at 2B, 3B
and LF. IF he would happen to win any one of those jobs, there is upside
that the previous owner at UT didn't have.

He may have been overmatched at times but look at Gorman's numbers. We know what numbers Gorman will put up. As you said Saggesse is far from a finished product. Regular plate appearances at a regular position could provide dividends.

[Bushiro]

Hopefully he can at least catch it... because his arm will be garbage out there

[renostl]

He is a better hitter than our third baseman and one or more of our outfielders. It appears the play is for him to be a utility player. Not sure how that impacts his bat.

He looked over matched at times but he's far from a finished product.

As a player on the roster he has value even as an athletic RH option at 2B, 3B
and LF. IF he would happen to win any one of those jobs, there is upside
that the previous owner at UT didn't have.

He may have been overmatched at times but look at Gorman's numbers. We know what numbers Gorman will put up. As you said Saggesse is far from a finished product. Regular plate appearances at a regular position could provide dividends.

Absolutely,
There's no reason to close any book on him.
Winning an outright position especially early seems unlikely to me'
Being a 2022 or 2023 Donovan is a very good opportunity imo and would
allow for consistent PT.
His RHB fits too with Gorman, JJ, and Noot. Donnie seemed to embrace it as
an opportunity and he ran with it. Saggese has a fair amount more speed and
according to his MiLB more pop too.
It's all hope right now, but I'd like to see him run with an opportunity.
Since a couple others get another shot UT seems like his best right now.

[renostl]

Hopefully he can at least catch it... because his arm will be garbage out there

It's far from Winn.
It did measure in velocity as well as Gorman's
and Arenado's in 2025. 83 mph for all 3.

[Shady]

Hopefully he can at least catch it... because his arm will be garbage out there

It's far from Winn.
It did measure in velocity as well as Gorman's
and Arenado's in 2025. 83 mph for all 3.

Saggese's arm will be fine in LF. I just hope the hitting comes around, Especially, his power production. I also hope he's gained some needed strength gains in the off season.

[C-Unit]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/th ... 5a82&ei=32

I don’t know why they say we didn’t see this coming. It’s been talked about for months.

I guess it’s worth a try but it is just another attempt to take a player from his natural position to the outfield. We moved Walker, we played Burley out there, put IH out there, Donovan. I know I’m missing someone.

This has been going on for at least 2 to 3 years. Why Bloom didn’t see the need to get some outfield help I’ll never understand. And please don’t respond that it doesn’t matter, we aren’t competing anyway. Yet we feel the need to have young players slotted into infield positions so they can develop. The organization has missed for years on outfielders. Is Bloom blind to this?

While I agree with your basic thought, Burly isn't a great example. In college he played 1b 67 games, OF 54 Games, and pitched in 43 games. So they really didn't convert him. He was already a 1b/OF with a side of pitching

In minors he played 180 OF and only 1 game at 1b.

I would have left Burly in the outfield and put Herrera at first. I don't have a problem with trying Saggese in the outfield. Walker is a long shot to start hitting and Noot is always injured. We will need someone who can replace them. This is a good year to get Saggese as many at bats as possible. I believe that he is a backup but he played well enough in the minors to get a chance this year.

I guess Saggese best use case going forward is a utility player, so it's beneficial for him to pick up another glove although I hope that doesn't mean he becomes the primary left fielder at any time. I think I would try to use Fermin in leftfield more often than Saggese. Once Gorman starts taking more DH time I think Saggese would be filling in at 3rd more. The two most interesting questions might be how long does Gorman stick at 3rd and How long does the Herrera experiment at C last. My guess is the Herrera experiment ends first, maybe before opening day.