Ariza’s Shot

Ariza’s Shot

Recent rumblings have suggested that the LA Lakers are toying with the idea of sending starting Power Forward Lamar Odom to the bench. There are several considerations that recommend this move, but probably the biggest issue would be deciding who would start in Odom’s spot. The move with the highest potential payoff is promoting Trevor Ariza to the starting lineup. This move, however, is fraught with risk.

Lamar Odom came to Los Angeles for the 2004/05 season in the deal that sent out Shaquille O’Neal. He has played in more than 250 games since joining the Lakers, playing either Forward spot, initiating the offense on occasion, and filling in as the biggest man on the court in rare instances as well. But Odom’s willingness to play whatever spot the Lakers have asked him to is too frequently outweighed by his unwillingness (or inability depending upon whom you ask) to remain aggressive as a scoring option. With limited shooting from distance, and two behemoths manning the 4 and 5 spots for the upcoming season, Odom’s lack of aggressiveness could force management’s hand. He simply lacks a skill set that will allow a Small Forward to thrive in the current Lakers’ lineup.

This is precisely where Trevor Ariza becomes intriguing. While Ariza is not much of an outside shooter, a casual fan may not have noticed that in more than 200 games in his career prior to coming to LA, Ariza hit just four three-point shots in 28 attempts. This amounts to an incredibly poor percentage (14%) and an incredibly low shooting rate (1 per 134 minutes of game play). Meanwhile, Ariza hit 5 of 15 shots from the arc with the Lakers. That’s 33% and one shot per 29 minutes. These numbers come in a very limited sample size, but it is suggestive of Ariza’s willingness to make his game more dynamic and fit the team around him. Apart from an otherwise unremarkable jump shot, Ariza is an efficient offensive player, who shot 52% from the floor largely on slashing moves to the hoop. A solid rebounder despite his lack of bulk, Ariza also uses his length to benefit in passing situations. His ast/to ratio (nearly 2:1) was just slightly better than Odom’s, who, while touted as a skilled passer, is a poor decision-maker. So Ariza’s offensive game is at least adequate and arguably better suited for this team’s needs than Odom.

Ariza also adds increased ability on the defensive side of the ball. Odom is probably twenty pounds heavier, but Ariza is much more agile, uses his length better, and invests much more pride on defense. None of this is to say that Odom is a poor defender. He has been shoddy at times, but for significant stretches last season he was above average. Ariza’s talent lies in the fact that he has relishes the role of being employed to cover opposing teams’ best players. He is a timely shot blocker, an adept ball thief, and plays with full intensity. While fans frequently complain about Odom’s “coasting,” that label is wholly inappropriate for Ariza, who plays all out.

So where is the risk in moving Odom to the bench? His scoring, assuming he is not considered a first or second option, and rebounding would energize a second unit. There is, however, always a risk to moving a player from the starting lineup to the bench. Consider Luke Walton. It may be said that he played so well as he did in 06/07 because he was in a contract season. That is true. On the other hand, it could be said that the move from being a starter in 06/07 (he started all 65 games he appeared in during 06/07) to losing the starting spot accounted for his epic decline. Walton shot 2.4% worse on FGs, 5.4% worse on threes, and 3.9% worse on FTs, and was roundly criticized by LA faithful. With this in mind, the consequences of sending Odom to the bench must be considered. Playing as he does currently, he would be a huge lift to the second unit. Playing even more inefficiently, Odom would be an incredibly pricey disaster.

There is one further risk: Ariza’s health. In four seasons, Ariza has averaged 56 games per season. Over the past three seasons, that average falls to 50. He has not appeared in more than 60 games since his rookie season and appeared in just 35 last season. Questions about a congenital defect in his foot, the same foot that caused him to miss three months last year, linger and make the likelihood of his appearing in a full season a slender hope. Add in increased minutes that come along with starting (he has averaged 18 minutes per game in his career) and the odds of a breakdown must be countenanced.

As with any roster tinkering, the pros and cons of moving Odom out of the starting lineup must be weighed heavily before committing to a move. He may not work out. And if he does not, consider Ariza the best fit given the surrounding team’s skills and skill gaps. The potential reward is huge: Phil Jackson would have his Doberman on defense, a solid rebounder, a good slasher, and a fiery competitor. Next to Kobe Bryant, and with Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol in the low post and veteran sniper Derek Fisher at the Point, the Lakers could be significantly better than they were last season. Yet for all Ariza’s potential as a difference-maker, the risk factor remains quite high.

Hamels Approaches Legendary Status

Hamels Approaches Legendary Status

He may not have the best numbers in the bigs and he may not sniff any of Philadelphia’s single season marks, but if Cole Hamels can bring his best stuff over his final three or four starts, he could propel the Phils to the postseason and claim a spot in Philadelphia lore. Think along the lines of Rocky. This is all contingent, of course, upon Hamels’s continued dominance, but his dominance will not be sufficient. Other pitchers will have to continue to step up (as Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer have) and the offense will have to deliver (as Howard, Utley, and Rollins have down the stretch).

It is easy to question whether the fans’ infatuation with Hamels is merely the result of a city starved for success in baseball, but a quick look at some numbers shows that a postseason appearance for the Phils would make the current team one of the best in the long history of Philadelphia baseball. Similarly, a quick look at Hamels’s numbers shows that this could be one of the most impressive seasons for a Philadelphia hurler in quite some time. His key numbers are currently 208 innings pitched, 180 Ks, and a 3.12 ERA.

No Phillies starter has posted an ERA that low in the past decade. One would have to look back to 1997, to when Curt Schilling posted an awesome 2.97 to find a better mark. The strikeouts are nearly as impressive, with just Brett Myers (208 in ‘05 and 189 in ‘06) and Robert Person (183 in ‘01) topping Hamels’s current mark. If Cole continues his pace, he will post another 18-24 Ks, putting him right around the 200 K mark. And while several Philadelphia starters have hit 200 innings in the past decade, Hamels is likely to top them all: Kevin Millwood (222 in ‘03), John Lieber (218.1 in ‘05), Myers (215.1 in ‘05), Rand Wolf (210.2 in ‘02), Vincente Padilla (208.2 in ‘02), and Robert Person (208.1 in ‘01).

So at present, Hamels projects to about 229 IP, 198 Ks, 3.12 ERA, and perhaps 14 wins. It would be, I suggest, the best season by a Phillies starter since Curt Schilling’s amazing 1998 campaign that saw him fan 300 batters in 268.2 innings, post a 3.25 ERA, but struggle in the W/L column to the tune of a 15-14 record (reminiscent of Hamels’s 12-9 mark this season). So statistically he is legitimate.

But greatness is not just about individual achievement. Fortunately, the current team is in the midst of a sustained streak of success. Barring an absolutely catastrophic collapse, the Phillies will finish above the .500 mark this season. That would mark the sixth consecutive season the mark has been surpassed. The franchise has accomplished this in just two other stretches before, from 1962-1967 and from 1975-1984. Fans will immediately note that the 1980 World Series Champions are included in the more recent streak.

Just as individual merit does not secure one’s legacy, nor does simply winning half of your team’s games. After two near trips to the playoffs, the Phillies finally made it last season. An appearance this season would make it back-to-back for the first time since a five-year span from 1976 to 1981. Again the 1980 World Series team is included in that streak. The Phillies have never accomplished the feat before or since that streak, putting this season’s group in rare company.

One may argue that members of the 1993 World Series team have also reached legendary status in team history. That is certainly true of players like John Kruk, Darren Daulton, Len Dykstra, and probably true of pitchers Curt Schilling, Terry Mulholland, and Tommy Greene. But that team was an anomaly. The Phils were sub .500 for six seasons prior and seven after the fact. And one-year success is less desirable than sustained success.

Still, before the Phils can start worrying about their postseason performance, they must secure a spot. Back 3.0 games with 15 to go, they will probably have to win at least 9 of the remaining games (and probably more like 11). With Hamels taking the mound in about an hour and a double-header tomorrow, the victories have to come soon and regularly. All eyes are on Hamels.

Travis J. Rodgers

travisjrodgers at Gmail.

OAKLAND RAIDERS PREVIEW 2K8

Overview

In the six years since John Gruden turned the Raiders into a force to be reckoned with, piloting them to 38 wins and four playoff games in four seasons, Oakland fans have grown accustomed to heartache. When first year coach Bill Callahan led the Raiders to an 11-5 record, few doubted that it was Gruden’s lingering effects that guided the Raiders to the Super Bowl only to be annihilated by a grinning Gruden and his Buccaneers. In the past five seasons, the Raiders have never won more than 5 games and have gone 19-61 (.238). There have been no playoff appearances. There have been no meaningful games late in the season (at least none that had implications for the Raiders’ success; Oakland has not minded playing spoiler). Lane Kiffin is the fourth coach in the post-Gruden era, but it seems as if he is here for a lengthy stay. While his offensive schemes have not had ideal personnel, there is something to be said for Oakland’s running game and pass defense. This season should mark a return to respectability for the Raiders, but the path there is fraught with dangers and hardships.

The Record

Oakland probably does not have the most difficult schedule in the NFL, but they have no simple task ahead of them. They begin the season on a Monday night against Denver then head off to play two straight games on the road. A 0-3 record is something Raiders fans must hold as a possibility. Another brutal stretch toward season’s end sees Oakland facing Miami on the road before taking on Denver, Kansas City, and San Diego. After those three division games, New England comes to town. Oakland finishes up against Houston (at home) and Tampa Bay (on the road). What poetic justice it would be for Oakland to end the season on a high note, knock Tampa Bay out of playoff contention, and build on that win in the subsequent season.

Delivering prognostications about teams that have not played a regular season game is difficult. That much must be conceded. Yet it is possible to split games into three categories. Should-win Games see the Raiders with a high chance of victory (say 2/3 or more). Should-lose Games see the Raiders with a low chance of victory (say 1/3 or less). Toss-up Games are those that remain.

Should-win Games: Unfortunately, the Raiders are hardly in a position to claim any games as should-win. Statistically, they are not strong enough. The closest thing is a Week 9 matchup against Atlanta. Wins: 0.

Toss-up Games: Game 6 (Jets), Game 8 (Atlanta), Game 9 (Carolina), Game 12 (Kansas City), and Game 15 (Houston). Wins: 2.5.

Should-lose Games: All the rest, giving Oakland 11 games they really should be expected to lose. Statistically speaking, it would be incredibly unlikely that Oakland would lose all these games, so assume they win 25% to 33% of these games. Wins: 2.8-3.7.

Overall: Oakland will likely finish 5-11 or 6-10. While that is not good enough for a playoff spot (obviously) it would either tie (at 5 wins) the best post-Gruden record or would establish a new mark (6 wins). As noted, suffering is necessary on the path to respectability.

POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN

The Running Backs

Oakland can run the ball. They could run last year and they added probably their most dynamic runner in Darren McFadden, returned their best runner from last year (Justin Fargas), cut some dead weight (former fantasy standout LaMont Jordan), cut an intriguing player (Dominic Rhodes), and returned a player from the PUP list (Michael Bush). The three-headed attack of Fargas, DMC, and Bush will likely improve upon the 6th-best 130 yards per game from last season. Added to the mix is Justin Griffith whose benefits are primarily blocking and receiving, but he (and to a slight degree JaMarcus Russell) can run. Speaking of receptions out of the backfield, Fargas (23 reception in ‘07 in addition to his 1009 yards on the ground), McFadden (4 grabs during preseason), and Bush (2 receptions during preseason and was a successful receiver at Louisville) can all catch the ball out of the backfield.

Projections: Determining how things will be split up is a difficult task. It seems evident that Fargas will receive the bulk of the carries early in the season. This will probably shift during the season as each back carves out a niche either breaking down by series (as Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson did) or by roles (Fargas as the starter, DMC as the 3rd down and 2-minute back, and Bush as the short distance and goalline runner).

Fargas: 892 rushing yards, 22 receptions, 156 receiving yards, 3.7 total TDs

McFadden: 864 rushing yards, 27 receptions, 208 receiving yards, 5.4 total TDs

Bush: 272 rushing yards, 10 receptions, 110 receiving yards, 2.9 total TDs

The Quarterback

JaMarcus Russell begins his first season at the helm. Everything about this guy is huge: his height, his weight, and his arm. He is not afraid to go deep and Al Davis loves that. Unfortunately, he has two difficult impediments to becoming say the next Kenny Stabler (alright, Jeff George): Lane Kiffin and arguably the worst receiving corps in the NFL. While Kiffin will go to bat for Russell, and has numerous times, he is hesitant to remove the training wheels. Part of the problem is poor offensive line protection. Another part may be an overprotectiveness that occurs sometimes when a young Quarterback is involved. While this route is probably better for a QB’s development over the course of his career, in the short term, expect a boring passing game. The Raiders’ success this season will be heavily dependent upon Russell’s play. His ability to play mistake free football will translate quickly to wins, but given his inexperience, he will struggle.

Russell: 241 completions, 426 attempts, 2494 yards, 14 TDs, 17 INTs

The Receivers

Oakland’s receivers might do well in sprints or bodybuilding competitions, but they are not going to win much else. Including games. The Raiders have not had an effective passing game since Rich Gannon left town. That is a fact that figures to remain until the team adds a top flight receiver. The brightest spot on the team is probably second year Tight End Zach Miller, who looks to build upon a very promising rookie season, but look for Ronald Curry to impress as long as his body holds up. Javon Walker is enigmatic, but could find success as the WR2. Ashley Lelie has not been effective since 2005 and just not joined the team, so gauging his impact is incredibly difficult. Johnny Lee Higgins and a few others should figure into the mix.

Curry: 48 receptions, 613 yards, 3 TDs

Walker: 45 receptions, 594 yards, 3 TDs

Miller: 44 receptions, 453 yards, 4 TDs

Lelie: 11 receptions, 145 yards, 0.3 TDs

The Line

The offensive line is a Jekyll and Hide story. Run blocking has been dominant at times during the preseason and seldom short of good. Even last season they opened sizable holes for multiple runners, allowing Jordan to post 159 and 121 yards rushing in Weeks 2 and 3; Fargas posted 179 in Week 4, 104 in Week 9, and 139 and 146 respectively in Weeks 12 and 13; and Dominic Rhodes closed the season with 115 and 122 yards on the ground. That is eight games of 100+ yards for one back including six games of 120+ for one back. Long runs were hardly scarce during the preseason, too. Oakland will run often and well.

When Oakland is forced to pass, however, problems arise. Last season, Oakland QBs were sacked 41 times for losses in excess of 250 yards, there were 23 fumbles by QBs, and 8 of those were lost. The pressure led to 20 interceptions on fewer than 450 pass attempts. During the preseason, Oakland’s starting QBs were sacked 8 times compared to 64 pass attempts, or once per nine dropbacks. The protection must improve if Russell is to have time to read defenses.

Defense

Oakland’s defense can be split into three distinct groups. The defensive backs are arguably the best in the game with Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall manning the Corners, Gibril Wilson and Michael Huff holding down the Safety positions. The foursome combined for 41 pass defenses and 11 interceptions last season. Asomugha grabbed 8 INTs the previous season, but was so good in coverage his assignment was seldom targeted last season.

The defensive line has shown itself to be porous against the run, but is able to put pressure on opposing QBs. Derrick Burgess has averaged double figure sacks since joining Oakland. Look for second year DE Jay Richardson, manning the other DE spot, to get in on the action.

The Raider Linebackers all return from last year, led by Kirk Morrison (121 tackles, 4 INTs last season) and Thomas Howard (96 tackles, 6 INTs). Robert Thomas had 62 tackles and forced two fumbles, but was a recent casualty. Ricky Brown, who recorded 13 tackles last season, will be the Sam LB in his place.

Oakland had the second worst rushing defense in the NFL last year, but was one of the better pass defensive teams. With little done to shore up the run except returning a good number of starter and hoping the unit gels, look for more of the same this season.

Special Teams

Shane Lechler and Sebastian Janikowski have both dealt with injuries, missing time during preseason. They should both be ready to go and will continue to give much of the same they have given their whole careers. Janikowski hit just 1 of his first 5 FGs last season before settling down to hit 21 of 27. That may not sound impressive, but bear in mind the fact that he kicked more than twice as many 50+ yard field goals (hitting 5 of 11) than anyone except Neil Rackers (who hit just 3 of 9). His leg strength was abused because of an atrocious ability to move the ball.

There is probably no better punter in the game now or ever than Shane Lechler. His 49.1 yard per punt average was absolutely ridiculous and increased his career average to 46.5. His Inside 20 to Touchback ratio improved from .551 to .625 after posting a career best 11 to 7. If he can continue to improve, there would be little argument left to be made for a better punter. Remaining as good as he has been should seal the deal.

In terms of the return game, gone is Oakland’s top kick returner (David Carr). Meanwhile Johnny Lee Higgins’s unimpressive debut as a punt returner may not disqualify him from the job this season. Higgins was very good on kickoff returns during preseason, totaling 162 yards on 5 returns (32.4 average) and returning one 58 yards. He also vacillated between greatness (a 53-yard TD) and garbage (3 returns for negative 3 yards in a game) on punts. His overall numbers were solid (6 for 67, 11.2 per return).

Travis J. Rodgers

travisjrodgers at GMAIL

http://rodgersreport.wordpress.com

The Case for Mbenga

When DJ Mbenga’s agent said that if things went well, Mbenga would be signed by either the Lakers or the Heat, he initiated a bit of speculation about what exactly his comments meant. A workout for Miami could hardly suddenly create interest for Mbenga’s presence back in the purple and gold. At the same time, if Mbenga were happy with some offer from the Lakers, he would not be working out for the Heat. So it seems as if the most likely scenario is that Mbenga has a lowball offer on the table from the Lakers and is looking to draw either a more significant offer from Miami (or possibly the same pay rate and more playing time) or to urge the Lakers to increase their offer if they intend to keep him.

The Lakers are probably asking themselves what Mbenga is worth. Specifically, they are probably asking whether he is worth anything more than the Veteran Minimum salary. It is worthwhile to look at the Lakers’ current lineup, gauge Mbenga’s skills, and determine whether he is worth only the Vet Min or whether he is worth more.

The first thing that should be said about Mbenga is that he is a raw talent. Although he spent parts of five seasons playing in Belgium, he has logged just 121 games in his NBA career and has started just two of those. This supports the suggestion that he is inexperienced. A quick look at his game when on court is sufficient to see that his hesitancy offensively and poor shooting success at the free throw line cement the deal. The second thing that should be said is that his ceiling is not very high. Mbenga is nearly 27 years old and while he has shown some growth, especially in the past season with the Lakers, one thing Mbenga has not shown is anything remarkable. When gauging the top end of a player, one looks for the exceptional performances, rare as they may be, not the more regular ’solid’ performances. Think of the analogy with a stick of dynamite and a hammer. One big hit will detonate the dynamite; one hundred taps will not make a difference. A four-block game aside, Mbenga has not approached anything remarkable from a scoring, rebounding, or defensive point of view (see something on his defense below). Bearing these limitations in mind, it must be stressed that there is a pivotal role for a player like Mbenga in the NBA and specifically on a championship caliber team like the Lakers.

After noticing that Mbenga is raw, the observer will be drawn to the fact that his athleticism is undeniable. Mbenga moves quickly and fluidly on the court, has a lot of energy, good leaping skills, and has very quick feet. Meanwhile, offensively, it would be appropriate to say that Mbenga is limited. DJ takes a high percentage of jump shots and while his effective field goal percent is not bad for a Center, it is not all good news. His range is limited to perhaps ten feet from the basket so he fails to draw opposing Centers out of the lane and create paths to the hoop. If his 44 career free throw attempts are any indication of his shooting ability, Mbenga is a poor shooter (just under 57% in his career). Despite his athleticism, Mbenga is too tentative to attack the rim. He may also not have the handles. Despite all this, it would not be quite right to say that Mbenga is wholly incompetent offensively. Despite not playing many minutes and so not having the benefit of finding a rhythm, DJ averaged nearly one point per three minutes because his speed up and down the court allows him to get off attempts when defenders slack against him.

Defensively, Mbenga’s tools are impressive, but his execution is lacking. There is no doubting his effort and sometimes the results are impressive. He has, for instance, averaged one block per 11 or 12 minutes, which is impressive. But while the block numbers look good, they are almost all athleticism blocks. In other words they are the kind of block a defensive coach merely tolerates as opposed to celebrates. At seven feet tall, 255 pounds, and with little body fat, Mbenga has the build to be a brute on the defensive end. Yet he is nothing of the sort. Mbenga uses his speed and athleticism too much, refusing to body up regularly. The results are yielding too many rebounds, picking up too many fouls, and giving too much confidence to players who have no business attacking a player with Mbenga’s physical attributes.

What would be interesting for Mbenga would be to see him work against Andrew Bynum regularly. Bynum is one of the biggest players in the game and may be stronger than Mbenga. Mbenga could benefit from having a player like Bynum, who has an offensive game, attacking regularly. Mbenga must use his weight to slow the attack and make the attacker spend some energy. The same move when on offense, using his weight to back down defenders, would tire his opponent. With the speed he possesses, Mbenga could find himself getting more easy buckets as he faces a tired defender.

While this may all be academic, as no signing information has been mentioned, one has to be pleased with the prospect of returning a player with half a season of triangle experience, loads of energy, and athleticism. With just Chris Mihm as a true Center backing up Andrew Bynum, Mbenga would be a great investment. Bynum missed 47 games last season and Mihm has averaged just 11.5 games per season over the last two. So there is no question that a third Center would have a role on the team. With Phil Jackson, the triangle experience is often the make or break point for a player addition. His potential for becoming a solid defender and scoring in transition should make him a Laker next season. The question seems to be money, if the words of Mbenga’s agent ring true, but competing offers seem lacking. Look for Mbenga to wear purple and gold next season.

Travis J. Rodgers
http://rodgersreport.wordpress.com

Phillies’ September Call-ups

Philadelphia’s September Call-ups

As the Phillies (75-62, 1 game back) continue their push for the NL East lead, they will hope to find situational help from a quartet of new additions. Included in the list are two pitchers, one outfielder, and one catcher. Two of the four have been with the Phillies this season including Adam Eaton, who has been a regular for most of the past two seasons. The call-ups necessitated making some room on the roster. Those casualties came in the form of relievers Tom Gordon and Francisco Rosario being moved to the 60 Day DLs. Neither of these moves should affect the team because Gordon has not appeared in a game since July 5th and Rosario has not appeared in a game for the Phillies all season. In terms of position players, the Phillies have added a backup Catching prospect who hits for average and gets on base as well as a speedy outfielder who will likely serve primarily as a pinch runner.

FAMILIAR FACES

Adam Eaton (RHP) returns to the Phils. With an ERA above 7.00 at AAA, and given his disastrous performance with the Phillies (4-8, 5.80 ERA), and the fact that he was left off the playoff roster last season, Eaton is no favorite son. He is, however, a veteran and there is always hope he will turn things around.

Outlook: Despite the overall numbers, Eaton threw ten quality starts in his first sixteen starts this season. He can be a starter in a pinch and can eat up innings in long relief, but must be eyed with strong suspicion.

J.A. Happ (LHP) was pretty good at AAA. He also threw a quality start for the Phillies on July 9th against the Cardinals. His overall numbers at the MLB level are unimpressive (1.69 WHIP, 5.54 ERA), but his success at AAA and the fact that he is just 25 years old suggest that a decent showing to close the season could have Happ fighting for a spot in the rotation next season.

Outlook: Happ joins J.C. Romero and Scott Eyre as the sole left-handed relievers on the roster. Considering Romero has made 142 appearances over the past two seasons, the need for other relievers who can throw (probably in lower stress situations) is pressing. Romero’s arm must be protected.

NEW FACES

Lou Marson (Catcher) comes up from AA, marking a big leap for him. Prior to this season, his highest level of service had been high A ball at Clearwater. Marson is a solid contact hitter, who has this season put up his best offensive numbers in his brief career. At 22, he shows a ton of promise: .319 average, .434 on-base percentage. Meanwhile, the .423 slugging is a symptom of a lack of power. Marson hit just 5 home runs and 18 doubles in more than 300 at bats. Marson will offer a right-handed bat off the bench and as he is a catcher can spell Ruiz and Coste.

Outlook: Passing over highly-touted prospect Jason Jaramillo, the Phillies went with Marson, who is getting on base much more regularly. If the need is a pinch hitter who can play catcher as opposed to a catcher first, Marson makes sense.

Greg Golson (OF) is a 22 year old outfielder who is having his best season. He also comes up from AA ball. His .288/.335 average and on-base percent are not bad, but he has a bit more power than Marson (10 home runs in 309 at bats), has worse selection at the plate (nearly 4:1 K to BB ratio), but he has speed. His 19 steals this season give him 118 in 482 minor league games.

Outlook: The Phillies will have the luxury of employing him as a pinch runner. His speed, coupled with First Base coach Davey Lopes’s keen eye for making a move should make him a threat on the base path.