Craig Brazell, the 27 year-old first baseman who mashed 39 home runs and drove in 91 runs for Omaha and Wichita last season, has signed a contract with the Seibu Lions in Japan. I guess that with Ryan Shealy, Justin Huber, Ross Gload, and maybe even Mark Teahen, the Royals feel like they are covered at first base and decided not to sign Brazell.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
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4 comments:
Really disappointed to hear this. Good left-handed power. Batting avg is better against lefties than righties. We could have nicknamed him Boog.
I have seen Teahen's name surface on several blogs about moving him to first base. What a mistake. What will happen to Butler? The Royals were the 5th best defensive team of all MLB last year. Teahen in RF had something to do with that. He's earned the respect of hitters who think about taking an extra base.
I was disappointed too. Doesn't make much sense to allow a power hitter like Brazell to get away--especially given our problems at first base.
Shealy may be a bust. Huber hasn't hit major league pitching well (although he hasn't been given much of a chance. Gload is hardly a power hitter. And Butler looks to be the full-time DH in KC for the next decade. He's not capable of playing a defensive position well enough to stick out there.
I'm with you on Teahen. I'd rather see him stay in right field, but I bet he'd be a good first baseman. But again, which Teahen will we get at the plate? The 2006 version which should a little pop or the 2007 version that hit just 7 HR?
I'm willing to give Teahen a pass on lack of offense because he was learning a brand new position. However, until he comes around to the 2006 version, should not bat 3rd in the lineup.
I hope...oh I hope Shealy is not a bust. Butler has to play 1B for interleague play so I would love Shealy and Butler splitting time at DH/1B. Gload and our man Sweeney would be great off the bench. Huber is unfortunately lost in the slough with Maier, Lubanski, Costa, etc.
Shealy is a bust. So is Butler because he cannot play first. Teahen is okay. Huber is odd man out. Best of luck to Brazell though.
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