I realize I'm a bit a late with this topic, but I still feel the need to comment...I was extremely happy to see the Cubs win their arbitration hearing against Ryan Theriot last month. Ryan you greedy little man, what on earth were you thinking? You made $500,000 last year and are set to earn $2.6MM in 2010, a well deserved raise. How is that possibly not good enough for you? I would think a nice little pay bump of just over two million would set your mind at ease. Your request to earn an additional $800,000 this year is both unnecessary and undeserved.
For all you Cubs fans who grew up in the late 80's to early 90's like I did, I'd like to offer up a comparison. Ryan Theriot is a carbon copy of Rey Sanchez. Remember that guy? A total defensive whiz but really couldn't hit his way out of a paper bag. They both play middle infield and both would probably cause Chip Caray to describe them using the word "pesky."
Humor me for a minute here and let's compare some stats...
Rey Sanchez:
1993: 11 2B's, 28 RBI, 0 HR, .282 Average
1994: Strike-shortened season, so I'm not going to count it (but he did bat .285 with 83 hits)
1995: 22 2B's, 27 RBI, 3 HR, .278 Average
Ryan Theriot
2008:19 2B's, 38 RBI, 1 HR, .307 Average
2009: 20 2B's, 54 RBI, 7 HR, .284 Average
Theriot has been a great hitter the past two years and a great guy to have at the top of your lineup, but then again so was Sanchez in his "prime" (if you really want to say he ever had a prime). Yes, Theriot had a solid 2009 and definitely proved that he was worth a raise. Sanchez went on to put up some pretty decent numbers with the Yankees, Giants, and Royals after he and the Cubs parted ways in 1997. My point...think about Rey Sanchez and if he was ever worth $3.4MM for one season. The answer is most definitely no, and that is the same reaction Ryan Theriot should get until he can consistently prove he can match his 2009 production. C'mon Riot, knock in 60, bat .300 and flirt with 200 hits in 2010 and then you have a legitimate argument.
take it easy on the guy...he's little
ReplyDeletethere's nothing wrong with being little.
ReplyDeleteAlan.... WHAT?!?!?! You're comparing Theriot to... WHO?!? I don't even know you anymore! This is a crappy comparison, and you know it. Sanchez is not in Theriot's category. How many times have you said, "Thank goodness for the Riot. I'm not sure we'd have won that game without him." It may not have happened much, but I guarantee you've said it more times than you did about Sanchez, especially being that NO ONE has EVER said that about Sanchez... EVER. Find a better comparison!
ReplyDeletehaha wow Chad, I didn't know you were so passionate about this issue. I admit Theriot is on pace for a much better career, but if you look at the numbers they are pretty similar right now.
ReplyDeleteTheriot = clutch
ReplyDeleteSanchez = .... I'm not quite sure.
The point is, stats aren't the only thing that matters. Theriot plays with a lot of heart, and that's something that you have to put a price on (unfortunately). I don't care what the Cubs paid for him, he's worth it, especially in the aftermath of letting DeRo go a couple years ago. Theriot's in THAT category for me, which is to say "essential."
I'm STILL trying to think of a *good* word to describe Sanchez....
Just curious... have you seen Theriot's stats this spring?
ReplyDelete