Joined: 26 Mar 2003
Location: Benicia, CA Posts: 1467
Posted:
Feb 22, 2005 7:00 pm
Do you think Keith Ginter might get enough PT over Ellis to warrant a second glance? After all, Oakland's trade for him suggest that they aren't sold on Ellis.
Joined: 09 Apr 2002
Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1718
Posted:
Feb 23, 2005 2:44 am
As Chris probably won't be available for a week or so, I'll field the question for you. My personal expectation is that Ginter will win the battle in spring training and not look back. Ginter has always been able to rake when given the chance and he fits Billy Beane's moneyball profile perfectly. Ellis is certainly better defensively, but the A's will sacrifice the defense to get Ginter's bat into the lineup. After combining for 37 homers in about 730 at bats the past two years in Milwaukee, Ginter could be an outstanding sleeper in 2005 if he wins the job in Oaktown.
Assuming Ginter gets 500+ AB, you're probably looking at 25 homers and 80 RBI. His average won't blow you away and he won't steal more than ten bases, but he could be a surprise top 5-7 second baseman based on the scarcity at the position.
Bank on 450 ABs between 2b, DH, and the occasional start to rest Eric Chavez at third and grab him late.
