Last night on twitter the topic of trading Billy Butler once again reared its ugly head. This flares up every now and then because of his perceived lack of power and because there would likely be significant interest if he was available. This is just silly, I mean didn't the Royals continually get blasted for trading established players for prospects once upon a time? What's changed? Now I'm not saying Moore shouldn't listen to offers but unless he's overwhelmed he needs to hang up the phone.
I think people have gotten so caught up in the farm system that they're willing to trade away one of the best hitters in the American League for more prized prospects, who may or may not pan out. And make no mistake, Butler is a great hitter. Since becoming a full time player in 2009 his 130 OPS+ is 14th best in the AL and only eight players have more extra base hits than Butler's 159. So if you think that a Clint Robinson or whoever can just slide in and replicate Butler's production, I have news for you, it ain't going to happen.
And if you want Butler gone because he doesn't drive in enough runs, well, then you and I will never find common ground.
3 comments:
Yeah, I had a guy arguing that Frenchy is a better run producer despite having an OPS 200 points less with RISP this season. Madness.
In addition, the Royals have Gordon blossoming in front of them while being two years older than Billy, and possibly even Melky figuring things out for himself at 26, and yet Billy at 25 is all he'll ever be.
Again, madness.
Billy Butler is the best hitter on the team and is not easily replaceable. (there is a reason he has half of the team's intentional walks) He is only 25 and may still improve. I certainly don't want to trade him.
It is partially the team's fault that these discussions take place, though. Royals fans have been taught to talk about potential and see any established player as a bargaining chip for a potential "superstar." Royals fans and Baseball fans in general EXPECT an established Royal to be traded, and it will be this way until someone is not.
Having a player under contract does not make fans (or even the player for that matter) feel safe. It has not been a deterrent thus far. I thinks some Royals fans point out the flaws of any established player as a self defense mechanism, to soften the blow if they are traded.
The recent talk about Butler being dissatisfied with being a DH, much of it disseminated by people on the Royals payroll, reminds me of all the pre-Greinke trade "leaks" about his attitude. Even I wonder if this is a preemptive strike by the front office to soften the blow.
I want to keep Butler as long as we can, but my confidence level that the Royals feel the same way is not high.
The real problem with trading a Billy Butler is there is no market. After eliminating the 16 N.L. teams (none of them need a DH), only the A.L. is left/ Who needs a guy who can't leg out a 4-hopper so deep in the whole to short, that most of the time throws don't get made! Billy got thrown out by 2 steps last night on a ball any other Royal beats out. Billy wonders why he can't get in to games in N.L. parks? Was he watching Hosmer pick two more errant throws last night and make a sensational stab in the 9th (only to have Collins not cover the bag). Another knock/ people don't even hold Billy at first because his leadoff is so conservative (lazy?). Last night, your 4-hole gets a 2-0 base-loaded opportunity and hits behind the ball to fly to right. Why?? Because Billy's approach never changes. If you need a two out, no one on base single to right on a 3-1 pitch, there's nobody better!
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