11/29/19

OPEN THREAD – Jonathan Villar




For some un-godly reason, the Orioles released 28-year old middle infielder Jonathan Villar.

According to Metsmerized, “Villar, 28, had a solid year for the O’s in 2019, slashing .274/.339/.453 with 24 home runs, 33 doubles, 111 runs scored, 40 stolen bases, 107 wRC+, and 4.0 wins above replacement (FanGraphs), fifth-most among qualified MLB second basemen last season.”

Yeah I know, the last thing we need is another middle infielder, but, based on out ‘won now’ program, who is a better option for a utility infielder in 2020:

Villar or Luis Guillorme?

8 comments:

Reese Kaplan said...

Villar for his speed and power alone, but the real reason I want him is he has logged some outfield innings (including CF).

Herb G said...

Hey Mack, I think you shoulda stopped after "Yeah I know, the last thing we need is another middle infielder" Villar projects as a starting middle infielder, (2B or SS) not a bench utility type. He is forcast to get $10.4 million in arbitration, a salary that might prevent us from trading for Marte with his $11.5 million due this year. Choosing between the two, we would have to go with Marte, to fill a major hole in CF. Further mitigating against Villar are his negative defensive metrics in 2019. (UZR/150 -11.5 at 2B, -3.6 at SS)

To answer your question "who is a better option for a utility infielder in 2020: Villar or Luis Guillorme?" I submit Jose Iglesias, with his +7.6 UZR/150. 8 DRS, and 1.6 WAR at SS in 2019. Better fit than either for 2020.

Mike Freire said...

Veteran depth, or should I say quality veteran depth, is a good thing.

Especially in a 162 game season........just look at how much the Nationals benefitted from Howie Kendrick.

Mack Ade said...

Herb

I emailed you last week to see how you were doing.

Welcome back.

John From Albany said...

Phillies may also non-tender Cesar Hernandez.

TP said...

You mean Villar or Cano?

TexasGusCC said...

The Cano trade continues to be the worse move the Meta have made since they let Dykstra go to the Phillies and then spent a ton in talent and money trying to replace him. Except, this is the reverse. BVW has one more year for Cano to become serviceable, because after this year, at 38, it’s hard to expect a rebirth. Cano should be transferred to third base and if he doesn’t like it suspend him.

Villar is a nice player, but then there’s Lowrie. Hard to fit both, plus I would expect Camden Yards to have helped Villar’s power substantially, so we shouldn’t chase the power. Also, I’ll at was very available for trade in late July and no one wanted him. There are reasons for both the release and the lack of interest, they just haven’t come out yet.

Herb G said...

Mack, I just emailed you. Nice to hear from you.

I do drop in here every so often. We'll talk soon.

Herb