From the Department of Rash Decisions

by Grant Brisbee on Jun 16, 2008 12:50 PM PDT

I'm hoping that a scene like this plays out soon:

Thank you, Omar. You will always remain with us here…(points to head)…and here…(points to heart). You will receive a new watch and a custom-made suit in honor of your service. Don’t worry; the suit looks like a flamingo making love to a tie-dyed shirt. We were told that was your kind of style.

But thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you’ve done. Here’s a bag of sunflower seeds. Here’s a cribbage board. Steve Holm is quick with the muggins, so be careful when you’re counting up the points. You’re a good bunter, so we’ll call on you to pinch hit often. You’ll still start every week, or so.

Again, thanks for your service as a starting shortstop. We have far too many fond memories to recount. You’ve been wonderful.

Maybe that’s a little too dramatic. I’m not advocating that Bruce Bochy should just outright bench Vizquel. Both Vizquel and Emmanuel Burriss have fewer than 100 at-bats, so there are major sample-size shenanigans at work. Burriss is having trouble with right-handed pitching…maybe. He only has 50 at-bats against righties. Vizquel is completely unable to break the Mendoza line…maybe. His batting average on balls in play is .214 for the season, which would suggest some bad luck is making Vizquel seem worse than he is.

But at the very least, Burriss doesn’t look overmatched at the plate right now. Vizquel does. Burriss is the maybe-future. Vizquel is not. Put it all together, and it makes sense to work Burriss into the lineup more and more. If Burriss finishes the season at .296/.356/.370, I’ll be shocked. If Omar finishes the season at .191/.271/.223, I’ll only be mildly surprised.

I know that Burriss probably isn’t a short-term answer. Even though Burriss’s numbers look good right now, it’s mostly because he’s seven for his last 17. That’s how small of a sample we’re dealing with. Before that 17 at-bat surge, Burriss’s OPS was comfortably under .700. It’s far, far more likely that Burriss ends his season with numbers closer to the Brian Bocock Experience than his current totals. He has Kuiperian power, which makes it hard for him to work out a walk even if he wants to. It’s too soon to expect Burriss to hold his own against major-league pitching.

Still, Burriss’s hotter-than-expected start makes me want to find out what he can do with 300 additional at-bats. The defense has been better than advertised – the range isn’t superlative, but he has a nice arm, and he can turn a pretty sweet double play – so I’m not worried about a huge dropoff from the aging Vizquel in the field. As long as he doesn’t devolve into the sub-pitcher numbers of Bocock, Burriss should start more games than Vizquel from here on out.

And, yes, I realize that this makes me a hypocrite, as I was big on pounding the OMG-Bocock-couldn’t-even-hit-in-the-Cal-League!-drum. That was convenient at that time, just like this is a convenient post right now. But at least it’s refreshing for you to enjoy a little honesty with my intellectual dishonesty, right?

Comment starter: When do you pull the plug on Omar as the six-day-a-week starter? And is Burriss worthy of a longer look, or are his numbers a mirage?

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Comments

First!

Now, yes and maybe

2008 Giants: Scrappy! Scrappy! Joy! Joy!

by Goofus on Jun 16, 2008 12:58 PM PDT reply actions

+1
Really, what is to lose. It may actually help Omar, as well.

by allfrank on Jun 16, 2008 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions

I say go with Burriss now. I think his best case scenario might be Cesar Izturis but with more stolen bases. I’d be thrilled if Burris could put up a .288/.330/.381-styled line a’la Izturis 2004.

Bay City Ball

by xanthan on Jun 16, 2008 1:02 PM PDT reply actions

I’d be fine with since it would give me an excuse to add another giant to my fantasy league team (yes assuring me a of a 4th place finish at best), in addition to Freddy Lew, Filthy Sanchez, Brian Wilson, and the Timminator (his favorite movie is gramma’s boy! ZOMG! fanboy alert!)...

/I could really use the speed on my team
//Slashies!

Down in Front Meat!

by homerdrew415 on Jun 16, 2008 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions

As I reply to my own comment..

I also wanted to add that Omar probably won’t have much trade value at this point (with his stats). Though you never know, a team might really want an off the bench defensive upgrade for the stretch run.

/Looking at you AL East…don’t let me down

Down in Front Meat!

by homerdrew415 on Jun 16, 2008 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Don't worry

There’s a long tradition of people replying to their own comments around here.

2008 Giants: Scrappy! Scrappy! Joy! Joy!

by Goofus on Jun 16, 2008 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Yep

2008 Giants: Scrappy! Scrappy! Joy! Joy!

by Goofus on Jun 16, 2008 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions

I can’t make up my mind on this one. I love Vizquel. He plays hard, even if his body can’t keep up with him anymore. I want him to stay with the team in an instructional/coaching capacity, so I wouldn’t want him to get his feelings hurt (I’m looking at you, slumping Bengie) and go away altogether. But obviously the team needs offense. Even if it’s only a blip right now, Burriss is providing more offense than Omar. Our lineup is so very weak that we should seek improvement when we can.

I’ll admit that I’m secretly glad that Omar’s injury prevents him from getting the plate appearances necessary to guarantee his option year. That takes care of 2009. But yes – something may be needed this year.

It's my blarg! Quick Pitch

by can of corn on Jun 16, 2008 1:08 PM PDT reply actions

OMFG OMAR STOLE HOME ON FRIDAY!!!11!!!!!eleventeen

But seriously, his defense and Timmy’s arm are 2 of the very few things I enjoy about this team. Ship Durham and platoon Manny and Denker at second. Keep Omar out there so he can wow me 3 or 4 times a night with the leather. I honestly don’t care if he hits .160 the rest of the season. It really has no ramifications for this year, and hell, he may even help us get a top 3 draft pick.

Keep Omar, dammit!

Billy Hayes: His job is better than yours.

by delorean on Jun 16, 2008 1:12 PM PDT reply actions

Does his name have to be Omar?

I am sure we can find someone else to “wow you with the leather3 or 4 times a night,” but finding a guy named Omar to do will just take a little longer.

by Angry Dwarf on Jun 16, 2008 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions

sense

can you make it?

Billy Hayes: His job is better than yours.

by delorean on Jun 16, 2008 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions

I guess not

by Angry Dwarf on Jun 16, 2008 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Psst [looking around to make sure nobody can hear]

I think it was an innuendo of an adult BDSm nature, playing on your wording about being wowed with leather nightly. Of course, I’m third only to HowTheyScored and Natto in thinking everything is innuendo of an adult nature.

DFA all Giants over 34 years old.

by Mayor of 311 on Jun 17, 2008 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions

So when you say “wording,” you’re really talking about masturbation, right?

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Jun 17, 2008 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions

Nailed it.

Of course, nailing it is what makes you HowTheyScored.

DFA all Giants over 34 years old.

by Mayor of 311 on Jun 17, 2008 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions

oops

i get it now.

Billy Hayes: His job is better than yours.

by delorean on Jun 17, 2008 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions

As per my recent trend.

Player evaluation by Baseball Mogul. By the end of the 2015 season, Burriss’s career numbers look like this:

.245/.293/.325

He’s also never been anything more than a backup. The most at bats he got in a single season was 281.

In real life, that might not be so far off. On the other hand, groug’s game probably says that he becomes a .300/.410/.365 player, and while that might be more unrealistic, it shows how little we know what’s going to happen (it’s called video game science). But he needs to start if we’re going to find out. I don’t know if he needs to start right now. I’m semi-on-board the “let the vets play their way out of town” bandwagon (though it worked so well last year and the year before, and the year before, I can’t fully commit this time out), so it might still be a few weeks too soon to totally pull the plug on Vizquel. But on this team he does need to be starting essentially full time at some point in the next month.

Lest we stunt his development Baseball Mogul Style.

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Jun 16, 2008 1:14 PM PDT reply actions

I’m semi-on-board the "let the vets play their way out of town" bandwagon (though it worked so well last year and the year before, and the year before, I can’t fully commit this time out)
This is why I can not support playing the vets. I will not support it. I can not abide it. I shant sit idly by while Denker rides pine, Bowker never faces lefties, Lewis rarely faces lefties, Burriss rides pine, Ortmeier…who?, and etc, ad nauseum.

I will believe the committment to a new direction when I see it. Otherwise, I will just assume that Durham and Winn and Vizquel and Aurilia and Castillo will get the lion’s share of playing time. I will not expect this to change when the trading deadline comes and goes. I will not expect this to change when August comes and goes. I will not expect this to change next season. Not until I see it happen.

Only 902 games until the end of Zito's contract

by thehavenot on Jun 16, 2008 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions

And that was one big piece of block quote fail...

Only 902 games until the end of Zito's contract

by thehavenot on Jun 16, 2008 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions

What about the Led Zeppelin factor?

A few weekend ago, I saw Omar at a Led Zep cover band concert in RWC the night the Giants lost to the Pads. He knew all the words to every song. Omar’s the man. Can’t put batting average on that….i’m looking forward to him screaming “Immigrant Song” into the mic during his HOF speech.

"If I can change and you can change, then everybody can change!" Rocky Balboa, Rocky IV

by WithTechron on Jun 16, 2008 1:19 PM PDT reply actions

Thanks for that

You can’t get rid of Omar. The man is legen…wait for it… dary. He is my favorite Giants SS in Giants history, and we’re only getting his twilight years.

Having said that, I could see giving a start or two a week to Burriss and not feeling bad about it.

by achiappanza on Jun 17, 2008 7:23 AM PDT up reply actions

In OT news, I’ve NEVER enjoyed watching golf, and I’m still finding this crap to take an excruciating amount of time to develop (how can it take two players a half hour to play one stupid hole?), but this Rocco Mediate v Woods thing is pretty darn exciting, considering.

Too bad Rocco’s finally coming undone in the sudden death. He was easy to root for. That said, it’s amazing to see how good Woods is. And it’s nice to see he’s not acting like a baby about his knee the way I thought he was going to be.

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Jun 16, 2008 1:21 PM PDT reply actions

How about

just splitting time? Instead of Omar starting 6 times a week, have Omar start 4 and Manny start 3. Manny gets to play, Omar gets his swan song, and I still get to see Omar. Fair?

by tyrannoman on Jun 16, 2008 1:23 PM PDT reply actions

I’m gonna go with “Fair”.

It's my blarg! Quick Pitch

by can of corn on Jun 16, 2008 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions

I's Likes.

A manager could double switch either one in late in games. Makes sence to me. Be afraid.

" Their still Shitty" - Major Leagues the movie.
I am a Giants fan. Thus I enjoy my pain. Currently enjoying it more then usual.

by daveinexile on Jun 17, 2008 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions

Omar and BABIP

Omar is pretty likely to have a low BABIP at this point, because the OFers can play in without worrying about one going over their heads.

by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2008 1:25 PM PDT reply actions

That reminds me

I drove by the local Babe Ruth field the other day and noticed the outfielders were, like, 20 feet behind the infield. My first thought: “Omar must be up.”

Only 902 games until the end of Zito's contract

by thehavenot on Jun 16, 2008 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree w/Goofus

though I could see easing it in, starting with 4 days omar, 3 manny.

I just selfishly want him to do really well, so Red Sox fans no longer have a monopoly on “Just Manny Being Manny”.

Tentatively adopting Dan Ortmeier. And Boom Goes the Dynamite.

by Andy from DC on Jun 16, 2008 1:55 PM PDT reply actions

I agree with Andy from DC, who agrees with Goofus

I guess this means I agree with Goofus, too. Ah, crap.

In a sense, there’s no huge hurry in either ending the Vizquel as Starting SS routine or beginning the Burriss as Starting SS experiment. Vizquel is gone at the end of the season and it’s not like this team is going anywhere (now that we’re no longer able to be one swindle-of-Bill-Bavasi away from contending). All the focus should be on making sure Vizquel remains in the Giants organization when his playing days are over.

Eagerly awaiting Crazy Crab Bobblehead Night on 7/18.

by Kitspool on Jun 16, 2008 1:59 PM PDT reply actions

Platoon them.

by Hobbes2d on Jun 16, 2008 2:04 PM PDT reply actions

What would your platoon situations be? Lefty/Righty? Suck/Not-Suck? Who plays when and why?

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Jun 16, 2008 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Suck/Not Suck, clearly

Give each of them a citrus fruit, say a lemon, before each game. Whoever sucks the most, doesn’t start. Simplicity itself.

Your 2011 SF Giants: the 2008 Augusta Greenjackets!

by Lyle on Jun 16, 2008 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Well

Vizquel vs RHP, Burriss vs LHP. Which would mean Vizquel would probably play more, but if he continues to suck than play Manny more obviously. I’d also kind of like to see what Manny could do out of the leadoff spot. He has no pop obviously, but he has speed that can make things happen and he doesn’t strike out. He’s capable of drawing a walk too. Plus it would give Lewis a chance to drive in some runs if he’s hitting lower in the lineup.

by Hobbes2d on Jun 16, 2008 2:42 PM PDT reply actions

As much as I love watching Omar play defense, it’s getting harder and harder to watch him on offense. Since he came up, Burriss has been growing on me like some sort of festering sore. I say don’t completely bench Omar, but give Emmanuel more games as a starter to see what he can do.

Everybody Loves Durham
comics | cartoons | Nattowear

by Natto on Jun 16, 2008 3:07 PM PDT reply actions

Either play Burriss everyday....

Or send him back to AAA. If I was in charge, he would not have started the season at AAA or been moved to SF as a back-up. He would have started much lower in the minors, and moved up based on performance. But I’m not in charge. Either release/trade Omar and play Burriss everyday or send Burriss back to AAA and call up Ochoa to spell Omar once a week. I would actually prefer to see Burriss everyday at this point. Omar can’t hit anymore, he can’t really throw anymore, we should not have re-signed him in the first place, at least not as quickly as we did (we should have tried to get a draft pick out of it) and at the increased price we paid after his sub-par offensive performance last year. Let’s find out if Burriss is the future SS or not and we won’t find it out with him starting 4 times a month.

by mark30perq3 on Jun 16, 2008 3:08 PM PDT reply actions

Remember: Burriss can also spell Durham at 2nd, thus getting extra playing time even when Omar plays. Yes, the though of both of their bats in the lineup is scary, but Durham’s going to get days off. That way Burriss can play plenty of games and study from the dugout. And talk to Roberts about stealing bases. And hide behind Bochy’s head when the sun is shining.

by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2008 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Are you implying that the noggin of the Giant’s manager is large and could be used as an umbrella for sun shielding purposes?

Down in Front Meat!

by homerdrew415 on Jun 16, 2008 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions

I think Mr. Burns used Bochy’s head once in a nefarious plot specifically for sun-shielding purposes.

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Jun 16, 2008 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Perhaps were could shave and Boulder Skull then aim it to reflect blinding light to either the right or left side of the defense as the situation merits. It can’t hurt our offense anyways.

" Their still Shitty" - Major Leagues the movie.
I am a Giants fan. Thus I enjoy my pain. Currently enjoying it more then usual.

by daveinexile on Jun 17, 2008 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions

Let’s just say that he could render rain delays a thing of the past. A retractable Bochy, if you will.

by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2008 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Given his head size, really, the only team he belongs with is the Giants.

Your 2011 SF Giants: the 2008 Augusta Greenjackets!

by Lyle on Jun 16, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions

+1

Does it have to be either Burriss or Omar? Doesn’t Manny project as a 2B eventually anyway (as I have seen frequently asserted here).

Velez looked terrible and needed to learn to play baseball, and I’m glad he’s doing it in Fresno (although CT may have been a better choice). Burriss looks very good for a young kid, and I don’t see why if he is to be on the roster here that he can’t play semi-regularly.

PS. As to others regarding veterans “playing their way” off the team, I think it’s happened and the time is now to move anyone who can be moved before they sprain something.

by natteringnabob on Jun 16, 2008 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions

well

There really is nobody else who can play SS besides them right now. Manny does probably project as a 2B, only because his arm strength is average for the position, but it could probably play at SS.

by Hobbes2d on Jun 16, 2008 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions

I like a little more offense/pop from my 2Bs. Maybe I’m spoiled after watching Kent, then Durham all these years. I’m keeping 2B warm for Noonan, so Burriss is going to have to make it as the SS when I take over the team.

I think he can do it and his offense won’t hurt the team at SS.

2008 Giants: Scrappy! Scrappy! Joy! Joy!

by Goofus on Jun 17, 2008 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions

You finished it

You finished it up with some questions, but I thought your analysis of Emmanuel Burriss was excellent, Grant.

by sharksrog on Jun 16, 2008 4:48 PM PDT reply actions

Omar Mendoza

This is the second season that Vizquel has disappeared. Give Burriss an opportunity while keeping eyes/ears opens to the market.

by wilriv21 on Jun 16, 2008 7:17 PM PDT reply actions

Start Burriss More... including vs. RHP.

I am in agreement with what appears to be the consensus (except for the leather perv, see above): Start Burriss more - both at SS and 2b to give both Omar and Ray a breather - and give him a valid number of at-bats to see what he can do. This should be the Year of Figuring Stuff Out For The Future (even though careless me is still writing Year of Living Dangerously on my checks).

DFA all Giants over 34 years old.

by Mayor of 311 on Jun 17, 2008 9:13 AM PDT reply actions