Dbacks pickup of Kubel raises questions

Dback Jon · December 20th, 2011, 07:57 AM

The focus all off-season has been on pitching - on upgrading the rotation, on further reinforcing the bullpen. And even after trading for Trevor Cahill and signing Takashi Saito in the past 10 days, it still seemed as though the Diamondbacks were focused on arms.

And then they turned around and agreed to terms with outfielder Jason Kubel on a two-year, $15 million deal.

It's an interesting signing, both because it came out of nowhere and because of the questions it raises, most of which revolve around incumbent left fielder Gerardo Parra.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diam...#ixzz1h5wmHd7K

CardEd · December 20th, 2011, 10:54 AM

I say what does this say about Young? How much defense do you lose with Parra in CF? How much would you gain with his bat in the line up compared to CY?

Something to think about.............

Diamondback Jay · December 24th, 2011, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CardEd

I say what does this say about Young? How much defense do you lose with Parra in CF? How much would you gain with his bat in the line up compared to CY?

Something to think about.............

Parra doesn't have the range or arm to play CF. By going from Young to Parra, you're potentially giving up a huge defensive differential.

I'm willing to take that risk in LF, going from a Gold Glove defensive LF to one who's not as strong with the upgrade in hitting. I'm not willing to do the same with CF. Too much of a risk.

azsportsfan01 · December 24th, 2011, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CardEd

I say what does this say about Young? How much defense do you lose with Parra in CF? How much would you gain with his bat in the line up compared to CY?

Something to think about.............

I'll keep it short. A lot.

Diamondback Jay · December 24th, 2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azsportsfan01

I'll keep it short. A lot.

Precisely..

Gibby's a smart manager. He knows this too. So does KT.

Bottom line: right now if there's an odd man out, it's Parra.

azsportsfan01 · December 24th, 2011, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diamondback Jay

Precisely..

Gibby's a smart manager. He knows this too. So does KT.

Bottom line: right now if there's an odd man out, it's Parra.

If they were smart they would sell high on Parra. His value will never be higher. I think most people would agree what we saw out of Parra last year is near his peak. Obviously he could still improve but I think the smarter money is on him to regress a little. With the amount of outfield prospects we have in the minors that will be ready soon (Pollock and Eaton) as well as some of the guys who are a few years away (Linton, Borchering, Brito) now is the time to sell.

overseascardfan · December 25th, 2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azsportsfan01

If they were smart they would sell high on Parra. His value will never be higher. I think most people would agree what we saw out of Parra last year is near his peak. Obviously he could still improve but I think the smarter money is on him to regress a little. With the amount of outfield prospects we have in the minors that will be ready soon (Pollock and Eaton) as well as some of the guys who are a few years away (Linton, Borchering, Brito) now is the time to sell.

If he could net us a good, young 3B whether being a big leaguer or top prospect then I am all for it.

green machine · December 25th, 2011, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diamondback Jay

Parra doesn't have the range or arm to play CF. By going from Young to Parra, you're potentially giving up a huge defensive differential.

I'm willing to take that risk in LF, going from a Gold Glove defensive LF to one who's not as strong with the upgrade in hitting. I'm not willing to do the same with CF. Too much of a risk.

Bolded part is false. Chris Young's arm is mediocre, at best. Parra, on the other hand, has a cannon. Much better arm. As for range, I think given time to learn CF he'd be just as good as Young. That said, there would be a dropoff there, especially early on.

azsportsfan01 · December 25th, 2011, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by green machine

Bolded part is false. Chris Young's arm is mediocre, at best. Parra, on the other hand, has a cannon. Much better arm. As for range, I think given time to learn CF he'd be just as good as Young. That said, there would be a dropoff there, especially early on.

His arm would be great in center but it would be wasted. As for range, you can't teach it. You either have it or you don't and Parra does not have the range for center. Hell look at the routes he takes in left where there is very little ground to cover. With him in center for a full season the D-Backs would give up a ton of doubles and triples. There are very few centerfielders as good as Young and it is definitely not something that is taught.

Gaddabout · December 28th, 2011, 01:39 PM

Agreed. I can't bear to watch Young at the plate, but he definitely means more as a defender in CF than Parra.

Diamondback Jay · December 31st, 2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by green machine

Bolded part is false. Chris Young's arm is mediocre, at best. Parra, on the other hand, has a cannon. Much better arm. As for range, I think given time to learn CF he'd be just as good as Young. That said, there would be a dropoff there, especially early on.

He does have a good arm and range.. For left field. Center at Chase is a different animal.

My issue with moving him to center is simple.. The range factor would KILL him. I don't think that's an asset you can tinker with, it's either there or not and honestly I'd rather not risk it at this stage in the game. Young frustrates the hell out of me at times, but I also think he's got more going for him as a CF than Parra does as a potential CF.

devilalum · January 1st, 2012, 08:21 AM

Anybody That Thinks Parra Can Cover Centerfield As Well As Cy Is Delusional!!!

bankybruce · May 1st, 2012, 07:12 AM

Anyone still against this signing? I was on the fence at the time, but I am very happy so far. He has been solid so far after a slow start. With Young out, we would have a huge hole in the OF right now.

Chris_Sanders · May 1st, 2012, 07:16 AM

I was really happy we signed him and this is why.

Gaddabout · May 1st, 2012, 03:14 PM

I'm glad he's doing well, but I'm still holding judgment until July.