MVN: Most Valuable Network

Since Jack Zduriencik took over, he has already fired or demoted several names including Bob Fontaine, Benny Looper, Greg Hunter, and Jim Riggleman. My question is why can't Jim Street be next?

Obviously I know that Gmz has no control over mlb.com employees, it's more of a rhetorical question. I read Jim Street's mailbag today and I have to say, that he continues his fine tradition of terrible journalism and un-researched opinion.

Here are some highlights of Jim Streets most recent mailbag.

Q: I wish nothing but the best for Yuniesky Betancourt, but I am tired of his constant mental lapses and lack of plate discipline. What about trading him for some outfield help and moving Mike Morse back to short? Morse has a great bat, is a very serviceable shortstop and plays outfield like he's got stage fright. It seems like the humane thing to do would be to give Yuni a change of scenery, and let Morse play where he's more comfortable.

A: While Betancourt does have occasional mental lapses -- as do most players -- and lacks plate discipline, he is the best-fielding shortstop the Mariners have had since Omar Vizquel in the early and mid-1990s. It would weaken the team by trading him.

Yuni is just 25 years old and is learning the job at the Major League level. He probably always will be an aggressive hitter, but I would rather have him on my team than someone with less range in the field who walks a lot.

Furthermore, Morse has not played shortstop in several years, and would, in my opinion, help the team a lot more at first base.

...What!? Betacnourt the best defender since Omar Vizquel? Can I just issue a nationwide ban on that comparision from now on? From 2006 - 2008 Yunieski Betancourt has been -32 on the Plus/Minus system. Know what that means Mr. Street? Take away Betancourt and insert a average SS and that average SS would get to 32 more balls than Yunieski Betacnourt got to. Betancourt is also not 25 he is 26 and nearly 27. I haven't even got to Betancourt at the plate.

The fact is this is just poor journalism and poor research on Streets part. Street still believes Betacnourt is a good defender and it just hasn't been true since 2005. Street believes that Betacnourt is just a young aggressive hitter. But Betancourt posted the worst walking percentage (3%) in baseball last year. Betancourt's WPA is -2.76, and his BW sits around -30.

Jim Street also had this to say.

...and I'm not sure what value there would be in signing Vizquel. He is a Hall of Fame shortstop in my book, but Betancourt is much younger and more productive on offense.

The Mariners are moving foward, so do us a favor Jim and retire, you're about to be left behind.

Labels: Bad Journalism