Spring Training

[King]

Well, I recall him getting pissed off on Twitter because someone implied that he's one of the worst hitters on the team, because he is. He arrogantly dismissed it as if it wasn't even a possibility, I guess because of batting average?

 

He started this off season with the goal in mind to play the crowd in an attempt to secure the leadoff spot. I'm less upset that Gibby named him the leadoff hitter and more upset that his little plan actually worked. He hasn't even done anything this spring to convince people who buy into SSS.

 

It was Wilner.

 

http://tipofthetower.com/2015/11/13/blue-jays-kevin-pillar-responds-to-mike-wilners-analysis-on-twitter/

[Boxcar]

Ya 6 is maybe out of reach but he's been in the 5+ territory six times.

 

It's not out of reach at all if he actually stays on the field. He's had near 6 win seasons multiple times while playing 120 games.

[burlingtonbandit]

Ya 6 is maybe out of reach but he's been in the 5+ territory six times.

 

I think having the DH spot will help with his health. I'm a little concerned with the swing and miss especially since that was a big reason why he declined offensively last year. Regardless I'm really excited to watch him this year.

[Brownie19]

It was Wilner.

 

http://tipofthetower.com/2015/11/13/blue-jays-kevin-pillar-responds-to-mike-wilners-analysis-on-twitter/

 

This article says Pillar is a patient hitter....author is really earning his pay check...

[fireballW]

Well, I recall him getting pissed off on Twitter because someone implied that he's one of the worst hitters on the team, because he is. He arrogantly dismissed it as if it wasn't even a possibility, I guess because of batting average?

 

He started this off season with the goal in mind to play the crowd in an attempt to secure the leadoff spot. I'm less upset that Gibby named him the leadoff hitter and more upset that his little plan actually worked. He hasn't even done anything this spring to convince people who buy into SSS.

 

Yeah, he had that situation and of course when he got sent down for being a douche and not understanding why he'd be pinch hit for. More than that though, as someone who listens to pretty much all the baseball related interviews, it is just pretty easy to tell he is one of those guys who goes beyond confidence and is semi-delusional. Pillar is the only player left on this team now whose personality annoys me (well I guess Bautista too sometimes), but as long as his defense doesn't decline we can all deal with it I suppose.

[Angrioter]

Donaldson 6 wins

Tulo 5 wins

Jose 4.5 wins

Martin 4 wins

Edwin 3.5 Wins

Pillar 2.5

Saunders 2

 

Esa maldita ofensiva!!

[burlingtonbandit]

Yeah, he had that situation and of course when he got sent down for being a douche and not understanding why he'd be pinch hit for. More than that though, as someone who listens to pretty much all the baseball related interviews, it is just pretty easy to tell he is one of those guys who goes beyond confidence and is semi-delusional. Pillar is the only player left on this team now whose personality annoys me (well I guess Bautista too sometimes), but as long as his defense doesn't decline we can all deal with it I suppose.

 

I'd rather a player have confidence than the other way around, in this league you have to have that trait. Stroman uses that confidence/cockiness even more and I don't think anyone has a problem with it.

[fireballW]

Yeah I don't think confidence and being a cocky douche are the same. I would never put Stroman's personality in the same category as Pillar.

[Brownie19]

I'd rather a player have confidence than the other way around, in this league you have to have that trait. Stroman uses that confidence/cockiness even more and I don't think anyone has a problem with it.

 

Pillar says delusional stuff like "check the numbers, I'm one of the best hitters on the team". Stroman doesn't stay utterly retarded things like that.

[saskjayfan]

This article says Pillar is a patient hitter....author is really earning his pay check...

 

I like Pillar's athleticism. I said he might be able to transition and become a good lead off hitter if he developed some plate discipline. I do like his bat control, but having seen him in person, the guy can't sit still. I think he's adhd. He didn't come off as being dumb by any stretch of the imagination, but I think he's stubborn and the mental side of the game and developing a better approach will take some time if it ever comes. I'd go with Saunders up top.

[THANOS]

Pillar says delusional stuff like "check the numbers, I'm one of the best hitters on the team". Stroman doesn't stay utterly retarded things like that.

 

Pillar also implied that Kevin Kiermaier was overrated, and suggested that the GG voters use the "eye-test" instead of actual defensive metrics, because he "clearly deserved that win, and there was no better CF than him". He's as arrogant and deluded as they come.

[Brownie19]

Pillar also implied that Kevin Kiermaier was overrated, and suggested that the GG voters use the "eye-test" instead of actual defensive metrics, because he "clearly deserved that win, and there was no better CF than him". He's as arrogant and deluded as they come.

 

KK wins the eye test and the defensive metrics. Pillar is dumn x 100

[Boxcar]

Pillar also implied that Kevin Kiermaier was overrated, and suggested that the GG voters use the "eye-test" instead of actual defensive metrics, because he "clearly deserved that win, and there was no better CF than him". He's as arrogant and deluded as they come.

 

Overrated:

[jays_fever]

The Eye test confirms that KK can do things no other outfielder in the last decade can do

[Boxcar]

lmao @ 230 foot throws to home, on a line and no bounce. Guy is unreal.

[Angrioter]

lmao @ 230 foot throws to home, on a line and no bounce. Guy is unreal.

 

.... and those eyes

[Laika]

I saw that video of Pillar when he talked about not winning the gold glove, and he didn't really come off as dumb or ignorant. Just confident.

 

He also mentioned the fact that they changed the rules so LF-CF-RF now get gold gloves. Both changes in gold glove voting kind of conspired to screw him out of one last year. I mean it's kind of super dumb that Cespedes and Calhoun got OF gold gloves and KP (and Cain) didn't.

[Frenchsoup]

Yeah, he had that situation and of course when he got sent down for being a douche and not understanding why he'd be pinch hit for. More than that though, as someone who listens to pretty much all the baseball related interviews, it is just pretty easy to tell he is one of those guys who goes beyond confidence and is semi-delusional. Pillar is the only player left on this team now whose personality annoys me (well I guess Bautista too sometimes), but as long as his defense doesn't decline we can all deal with it I suppose.

 

He's just being positive, lighten up.

[flafson]

lmao @ 230 foot throws to home, on a line and no bounce. Guy is unreal.

 

My eyes test tells me that KP is the better fielder and KK is the better thrower.

[Angrioter]

My eyes test tells me that KP is the better fielder and KK is the better thrower.

Your blind, then.

KK is better and sexier

[Brownie19]

My eyes test tells me that KP is the better fielder and KK is the better thrower.

 

Time to get your eyes checked.

[Brownie19]

I saw that video of Pillar when he talked about not winning the gold glove, and he didn't really come off as dumb or ignorant. Just confident.

 

He also mentioned the fact that they changed the rules so LF-CF-RF now get gold gloves. Both changes in gold glove voting kind of conspired to screw him out of one last year. I mean it's kind of super dumb that Cespedes and Calhoun got OF gold gloves and KP (and Cain) didn't.

 

Wouldn't that be like the 2nd best shortstop complaining he didn't get a GG, while some 2nd basemen, who's worse than him defensively did?

 

LF-CF-RF are different positions, just as SS and 2nd base are IMO. People just don't like change.

[Laika]

LF-CF-RF are different positions, just as SS and 2nd base are IMO.

 

I think there's a difference. SS isn't to 2B what CF is to RF. OF positions are way more interchangeable.

[Brownie19]

I think there's a difference. SS isn't to 2B what CF is to RF. OF positions are way more interchangeable.

 

Compare LF to CF.....I think that's a massive difference. Like SS to 1st base. We've always differentiated the infield, which results in either Simmons or Crawford not getting recognized (pre-trade)....while some Adrian Gonzalez is winning a GG at 1st.

[Olerud363]

I think there's a difference. SS isn't to 2B what CF is to RF. OF positions are way more interchangeable.

 

Center fielders can easily be sent to left or right without anyone blinking... In fact it happens all the time.

 

Shortstop going to 2nd or 3rd seems like a bigger deal. Guy has to take grounders at third for a few days... second would be even worse... he'd have to learn the footwork for the double play and it would be a long term thing.

[Olerud363]

Compare LF to CF.....I think that's a massive difference. Like SS to 1st base. We've always differentiated the infield, which results in either Simmons or Crawford not getting recognized (pre-trade)....while some Adrian Gonzalez is winning a GG at 1st.

 

First is special cuz if your lefthanded it is the only infield position you can play. Don Mattingly may be as Athletic as George Brett but can't play third.

[Olerud363]

I wonder if

 

(all left handed first basement)/(all first basemen) < (left handed first base gold glover winners)/(all first base gold glove winners)

[Laika]

Compare LF to CF.....I think that's a massive difference. Like SS to 1st base.

 

How can you even think that? It's absurd. So absurd that I won't discuss it further.

[KingKat]

It's pretty specious reasoning to say that people who oppose a specific change that you personally favour (or at least don't actively dislike) are therefore simply against change.

[Brownie19]

How can you even think that? It's absurd. So absurd that I won't discuss it further.

 

Ok maybe that's a little too simplistic, perhaps LF to CF is like 2nd to SS. They are similar positions. CF and SS, you need a little more range and a little more arm. Most LFers can't play CF and most 2nd basemen can't play SS. The 2nd best SS is likely significantly better defensively than the best 2nd basemen in the league, same goes for CF. We've separated the infielders forever...why not the OFers?