So I'm reading the latest press releases and news stories over at the Braves official web site, and I come across a little tidbit about some of the players participating in winter ball. Ok, let's take a look. I pretty much know what the players are doing since I follow winter statistics through a few other web sites. But what the hell, knowledge is power, and any more information I can jam into my brain can only help right?
Well, it would have been a good idea had I actually garnered some knowledge from the "article" I read. And I use the term "article" loosely. I should really refer to what I read more as "text" than anything else. As I'm reading this, I'm wondering, is this guy serious? Anyway, go ahead and read it yourself.
(Andy)Marte: Through his first 19 games with Azucareros in the Dominican League, Marte was hitting just .232 (16-for-69) with two homers and six RBIs. This may be a sign that he could use another year of seasoning at Richmond, where he hit .275 with 20 homers in 2005.
Marte's struggles during his first few weeks of winter ball aren't the only indication the Braves might not be ready to promote the top prospect. He also hit just .140 (8-for-57) in limited opportunities with Atlanta this past season. His production hasn't been enough for them to make room for him by moving Chipper Jones to another position.
First of all, I don't know Mark Bowman personally, so I won't go crazy here. But is he nuts???? :)
Andy Marte is hitting .232 in 69 winter at bats. That's 69 at bats Mark. And the fact that he hit .140 in 57 at bats is absolutely no reason to believe he isn't ready to make the jump to the majors. Have you ever heard of small sample sizes Mr. Bowman?
Ridiculous Comment #1
I particularly like the comment, "His production hasn't been enough for them to make room for him by moving Chipper Jones to another position." LOL...that one just cracks me up. His production where and when? The 24 games and 57 at bats in Atlanta? I guess Marte's 1,700 minor league at bats mean nothing.
Ridiculous Comment #2
Just because the first comment was so ludicrous doesn't mean that the statement, "...Marte was hitting just .232 (16-for-69) with two homers and six RBIs. This may be a sign that he could use another year of seasoning at Richmond, where he hit .275 with 20 homers in 2005," isn't a close runner-up!
I really had to read these reports again. You have to wonder how much baseball these guys take in. According to analysis like this, it wouldn't surprise me if Mark Bowman hailed Shane Spencer as the next Mickey Mantle after he hit 10 homers in 67 at bats during his rookie season in 1998.
Please...someone tell me I'm not off base here!!! I mean, maybe MLB.com needs filler this time of the year, but personally, I'd rather read nothing than comments like this.