Loading ...
Do We Really Want This Xavier Nady Character?
Written by Colin on December 31, 2009 – 4:00 pm“We need more power!”
Thanks, Scotty. We knew that. While we’d all like our offense to go to 11, I’m not sure I’m super thrilled with the options. Mark DeRosa is off the table, Matt Holliday is likely signing with the Cards soon, not many people are thrilled with the idea of Uggla coming in, and Xavier Nady is the other name that gets tossed around a lot. And yes, he’s good for 25 homers and 100 RBIs when he’s healthy.
But he’s had some issues and is just coming off not his first, but his SECOND Tommy John surgery. And yes, he’s just an outfielder – not a pitcher – and is being acquired more for his bat than anything. And yes, he’s probably cheaper than before his second TJ.
But he will still have to make throws. And when will he be back to 100%? How many runs will we give up because people will run on a weak-armed, twice-rebuilt robo elbow in left field?
Sure – we have doctors and if we sign him then I’m sure we think he’s a good deal and good upside and all that. I get that. But I’m just a little bit worried. Just sayin’. That’s TWO Tommy John surgeries, dudes and dudettes. Just not so sure about that.
“Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology…”
Who should we go for instead? What about Johnny Damon or a one year deal for Vladimir Guerrero? Jermaine Dye?
Tags: Xavier Nady
Posted in General, Injuries, Roster Moves, Speculation | 4 Comments »
By LarryS on Jan 1, 2010 | Reply
Xavier Nady is as solid a baseball player as they come. But as you stated, his health is a problem. The Braves roster is already filled with players with injury pasts. Chipper, Glaus, Wagner, Saito, Hudson and Moylan. I don't feel the Braves can take another gamble on an injury risk. Nady was my first choice for a FA signing but as the hot stove season has progressed and the Braves have filled holes, he is becoming less desirable.
If I had a voice in the matter Dye would be my move. Though his defense is questionable he has consistently proven to be a proven weapon in the offense. Dye would give the Braves another middle of the order bat and insurance for the clean up spot if Glaus goes down. I know theres been talk about a guy who can play OF and 1B but Prado can fill that void at first if needed with utility man Infante filling in at second on those days. As for Vlad, I think he's purely a DH at this point. The man just can't run anymore.
By Mark on Jan 2, 2010 | Reply
Damon or Dye would be my choice. A major concern I see is the bench for the Braves. I hope that this will be an area in which they will concentrate on after they decide on this other "big bat"….
By Joseph on Jan 2, 2010 | Reply
Damon has a weak arm too!
By LarryS on Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
Here is another option for the Braves. Luke Scott. A OF/1B player with power potential. He's cheap which would allow the Braves to still sign a late inning PH threat. Maybe Sheff could fill that role.