Mitch Moreland, 1B

by PghPinstripes on Jan 17, 2012 7:28 PM EST

If my little fat Prince (Fielder) signs with Texas, this damaged youngster with potential could use a home and might be cheap.

Texas 1B Mitch Moreland is expected to begin swinging a bat next week for the first time since having wrist surgery last November. Moreland was expected to need eight to 12 weeks to recover, which puts his status to begin spring training in question. The 26-year-old posted 16 homers and 51 RBI while hitting .259 last season. The Rangers could make an upgrade at first base and are reportedly chasing free agent 1B Prince Fielder, who would take over Moreland's spot in the field.

Mitch Moreland, 1B http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/morelmi01.shtml

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the managing editor (Charlie) or SB Nation. FanPosts are written by Bucs Dugout readers.

Tweet Comment 19 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I'm new to this board

but I don’t know if this is a good idea. Moreland looks like a carbon copy of
Jones at 1B. Neither one can hit lefties. Just my opinion though.

by yellowpotbelly on Jan 17, 2012 8:21 PM EST reply actions

Depends on the cost

But Id give him a shot.

Should the Pirates keep Neal Huntington?

http://www.bucsdugout.com/2011/5/16/2174135/poll-should-huntington-be-retained

by Kosstic518 on Jan 17, 2012 10:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Ew, wrist injury

That makes me really nervous to give up a commodity for. Just too many question marks. Maybe like a low C level guy, as Moreland is already 26

The glare of the spotlight is harsh, and the pressure that success breeds immense. We revere our heroes, but expect much. And criticism can come as easily as praise.
Perspectives become reality.
Twitter: @shanecglass

by glass0941 on Jan 17, 2012 10:27 PM EST reply actions

This.

Moreland stands a pretty decent chance of having a lost season this year in terms of power, due to that injury. And next year, he’ll be 27. I’d rather have him than Jones, but not enough so to give up any major pieces for him.

Hard work always beats talent if talent doesn't work hard.

"Matt Cooke and Evgeni Malkin for Brian Boyle, Derek Stepan, Brandon Dubinsky, Mike Rupp, and a first round pick." -JackCampbell

How many brooks would a Brooks Laich like if a Brooks Laich could like brooks?

by wg1of5 on Jan 18, 2012 3:34 PM EST up reply actions

would you give up Jones for him?

by white angus on Jan 19, 2012 8:10 AM EST up reply actions

Moreland’s a decent player, but not significantly better than Jones. I don’t really see the value in giving up a significant trade chip for an incremental upgrade.

by Vlad on Jan 18, 2012 9:18 AM EST reply actions

depends on cost

I’d love to do something like send them Garrett Jones and a middle reliever or C+ prospect for Moreland. This might appeal to them because GFJ should have better value in AL in my opinion because of versatility and DH poss against RHP.

Yes – he’s not much better than GFJ but he does have more upside and would probably benefit from our ballpark. He’s certainly better with the leather too. I just hate watching GFJ at first base haha, he is a cool guy and everything but ugh

by Mingy on Jan 18, 2012 9:25 AM EST reply actions

Jones IS better than his numbers would indicate last year. His value got hit for baserunning for example but there were numerous times last year that Garrett Jones would be running the bases and would like fall down. He made a bunch of mental errors last year on the basepaths specifically and those are easily the most correctable.

Now with our improved bench, Jones should be used more properly and therefore i think his value and performance will be better than it has been for the past two years. He’s a legitimate hitter against RHP and has decent wheels

by Mingy on Jan 18, 2012 9:32 AM EST up reply actions

if you say so.

by white angus on Jan 18, 2012 9:45 AM EST up reply actions

haha i do!

evidence – in large sample sizes from 2009 and 2010 Jones was right around average as a baserunner last year he plummetted all the way down to -4.3 on fangraphs bsr WAR because of his tomfoolery on the basepaths. it is my opinion but repeatedly last year GFJ was getting picked off of first base or falling down running to 2nd base all sorts of stupid stuff. He did not make those errors his first two years therefore leading me to believe he will stop taking stupid pills this offseason and get his crap together on the basepaths

by Mingy on Jan 18, 2012 10:50 AM EST up reply actions