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Kapler had a terrible 1st half last year, but came on to hit over 330 over the last half of the season. A lot of baseball people believe he has arrived.
He's also a good baserunner and defensive outfielder. That's something that Branyan will never be.
My own personal opinion is that Branyan will never be the player people keep hoping for. He hasn't shown the slightest improvement from the beginning of the end of the season to the end. But who knows, maybe Murray can work some magic.
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Even Branyans biggest critics have to admit he has not been given the opportunity to play a full season. Last year he was making progress until Fryman came back andCordovas career year forced him to the bench.
Kapler though has played every day for the last three years. In this time he has hit 18-14-17 homers, Ribbies-49-66-72, his avg .245-302-267. That is very mediocre numbers for a corner outfielder. Branyan given those AB"S would hit 40 homers-100+ ribbies, With the loss of Gonzales Branyan would supply far better run production than Kapler even with the K"S.
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When Hart trades Kapler, which I expect he will, it will be for a better pitcher than we can afford to give up (certainly not for a geriatric stiff like Finley). Or am I giving Hart too much credit? http://www.hostboard.com/ubb/wink.gif
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Maybe straight up for Mark Wohlers!
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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by srg:
I don't understand this infatuation with a .267 hitter with 17 homers and 71RIBBIES. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
First, we only have one outfielder (Lawton) who can be expected with reasonable certainty to put up those kind of numbers.
Second, Kapler is 26 and just now maturing. I expect a big year from him wherever he goes.
Third, if he were already putting up the numbers you want, he would be an $8-10 mil/year guy and we couldn't afford him.
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