Let's talk about Kevin Pillar (2016 and beyond)

Post #21 » by **Schad** » Mon Aug 10, 2015 1:29 pm

Raptor_Guy wrote:Not that I disagree, but if we're going to carry Pillar as a regular centre fielder then what do we do with Pompey, Saunders and Revere?

Trade or non-tender one of Saunders or Revere, I'd imagine. Saunders/Revere are lefties, while Pompey had pronounced difficulties against left-handed pitching, himself. They'd make for an awkward grouping.

Post #22 » by **King of Canada** » Mon Aug 10, 2015 1:32 pm

Pillar has been stellar in the OF. His bat has faded lately, but for the most part he has looked good all season. If we was a touted prospect coming in and playing exactly the same people would be all over him. It's his spot to lose right now.

Al_Oliver · Post #23 » by **Al_Oliver** » Mon Aug 10, 2015 1:47 pm

King of Canada wrote:Pillar has been stellar in the OF. His bat has faded lately

He has had 1 good month with the bat, but his defence has been stellar, no doubt

flatjacket1 · Post #24 » by **flatjacket1** » Mon Aug 10, 2015 8:56 pm

Pillar has been great this year to date.

I don't understand why we need to pencil in anybody over him. When a prospect (such as Pompey comes up), he will be a fourth OF (which we can pencil in for 80+ starts due to injuries and days off) and if it starts to become clear that he is better suited for the job, then fine, pull Pillar and make him a fourth OF.

I find it really confusing why this fan base (I'm not talking about the regulars here, this forum tends to be very high level discussion in my humble opinion) NEEDS a top tiered prospect to be handed a position. We tried it this year and it didn't work. I agree Pompey will likely be better than Pillar, defensively, on the bases and production at the plate, but why hand him a starting position and ship out Pillar or anybody to make this decision. Players are used to playing their way into being a regular, why can't this happen in Toronto?

Triple-A AB's means almost nothing, other than the amount. When a player has "made it" in AAA, it's still a murky picture as far as ML level goes. Pillar, who has nearly 1000 PA in AA and AAA with 1.9 fWAR at the ML level at CF in 2015, is a starter at this point. Pompey, who has 500 PA in AA and AAA with 0.0 fWAR at the ML level at CF in 2015, regardless of upside, needs to perform better to earn his spot.

If you play guys based on potential rather than ability, you will lose a lot of games real fast.

Sorry about the rant but I just don't like the idea of Pompey being handed CF again next year because Pillar, despite having a great year, is a "one year wonder" or whatever. I hate to say it but this season seems very repeatable, and he should get a chance to do so.

MikeM · Post #25 » by **MikeM** » Mon Aug 10, 2015 8:59 pm

Trade Pillar for pitching. It's hard to believe Pompey will never be better than Pillar with the bat. And his defence might not be as good but it should play.

Randle McMurphy · Post #26 » by **Randle McMurphy** » Mon Aug 10, 2015 10:20 pm

Unless Pillar completely collapses offensively (which I grant is not out of the realm of possibility as he's been awful at the plate for a few weeks now), he should start in CF next year. The guy's been one of the best defenders in baseball.

Santoki · Post #27 » by **Santoki** » Mon Aug 10, 2015 11:11 pm

I'm not sold on either Revere or Saunders as everyday LFs next year and Pompey definitely shouldn't be handed the job. I know it's impossible to decide this now because we don't know what the budget or direction of the team will be, but I personally feel that a LF upgrade could be had. It's not a top priority but neither was 3B going into last offseason.

spikeslovechild · Post #28 » by **spikeslovechild** » Tue Aug 11, 2015 12:34 am

Boogie! wrote:
Lateral Quicks wrote:Unless Pillar just collapses offensively, it's Revere I question more in 2016. I'd prefer Saunders or Pompey out there over Revere. Perhaps keep Revere around as a fourth outfielder to see if Saunders and/or Pompey can handle the full-time job.

why does everyone hate revere?

he's a better hitter with better speed than both saunders and pompey and is a decent fielder... and he's still only 26... i don't understand what the issue is...

especially considering saunders is super injury prone and pompey hasnt proven to be consistent at the major league level...

Better hitter? Hardly. He's a career OPS+ is 86. Even when stolen bases are taken into account his wRC+ is 85.

Saunders career OPS+ was 128 last year alone. Pompey is putting up a 120 wRC+ in AAA. I'm not really concerned about Revere though he can be moved in the offseason (some team will need a CF) if need be but he doesn't really have a spot on this team beyond this year. AA said as much when being interviewed with Blair saying Saunders is our LF next year. Pompey is a platoon option.

spikeslovechild · Post #29 » by **spikeslovechild** » Tue Aug 11, 2015 12:41 am

King of Canada wrote:Pillar has been stellar in the OF. His bat has faded lately, but for the most part he has looked good all season. If we was a touted prospect coming in and playing exactly the same people would be all over him. It's his spot to lose right now.

I said on the scout forum that I never thought Pillar bat will play and I still don't but I never thought he'd be this good defensively. Personally, if he can keep his OPS around .700 he'll be just fine in CF. Let Pompey platoon with Saunders (and possibly give Pillar a night off here and there) with the idea of him eventually taking over in LF.