Long or Shuck?

[Docwaukee]

I know there is very little chance that Matt Long gets the nod as the 4th OF over JB, but I really do think he's got a very good shot at be better and more versatile. 

[Homebrewer]

With Green and McDonald in the IF, couldn't both Long and Shuck stick?

[fan_since79]

With Green and McDonald in the IF, couldn't both Long and Shuck stick?

Only if we carry 11 pitchers.

[Homebrewer]

Blanton just opened up a spot on the 40 man.

[Docwaukee]

With Green and McDonald in the IF, couldn't both Long and Shuck stick?

I guess that could happen considering there really isn't anyone else with pop from the left side. 

 

I wonder if they choose Bosch or Cowgill because of their previous experience.  I hope not. 

[Homebrewer]

I guess that could happen considering there really isn't anyone else with pop from the left side. 

 

I wonder if they choose Bosch or Cowgill because of their previous experience.  I hope not. 

Hope not, too.

Even with the additions, the pitching staff, including the pen, still has some ?s.

Be nice to have Long's bat on the bench, especially in late PH situations.

[Chuck]

Long offers more power and can play all OF positions, including 2B. 

 

I like Long better, but Shuck will make it and I won't be too pissed about that either. Shuck can get on base and hit at a .300 clip and net some extra base hits. He has 5 triples in ST.  

[markb]

Long all day looooong.  

 

I think I've made it pretty clear previously I'm no Shuck fan.  He's that double whammy of zero power and low OBP.  The guy hits for decent average and does absolutely nothing else particularly well.  Long can take a walk and has some decent power.  

 

Shuck did post a solid OBP in the minors of .382, but a hilariously bad SLG that was a point lower at .381.  At the major league level he just has zero intimidation factor, and pitchers are perfectly willing to throw him strikes and take their chances.  Of course as I type this he hits his 5th freaking triple of the spring.  

 

Bottom line, If a guy who has a spring like Long has had can't get a shot at taking a job from a replacement level player, then what are they even doing out there?

[fan_since79]

You go with the hot hand. Long!

 

Shuck will get his chance soon enough.

[The Dude]

Some tough decisions coming soon for sure. I agree Doc that Long could turn out to be better I'm just not sure where hit fits right now. I like both players actually, but I'm almost positive Long will be back at Salt Lake sadly.

[gotbeer]

Haven't seen any of Long this spring.  But looking at his stats, some weird things going on.  He's a consistent .800 to mid 8 OPS every level.  2 seasons ago, he went from AA to AAA.  An .805 OPS at AAA.  Last season, he went back to AA and split time to AAA.  

 

Biggest flaw I see is he doesn't seem to have much power at all for an outfielder.  More of a singles/OBP type player and doesn't seem to have much speed in the SB department.  Looking at his fielding % (yeah, I know, not the most accurate indicator) it seems he isn't that great in the OF defensively either.  

 

Might be what is keeping him back.  

[Homebrewer]

Lets ask Baylor who he would rather have.

[HaloCory22]

Shuck is a good guy and he was solid for us in 2013, but 2014 is the year of Matt Long. Dude is on his game. He can play all OF positions and some 2B like stated above.

[Bruce Nye]

That will be a crazy convo.  "Gee Matt, all you did is rip up Spring Training hitting .400 and next to 27, the team MVP.  Here's your ticket to SLC.  Have fun."

 

Gulp!

[Homebrewer]

Shoulda made this thread a poll, Doc.

[markb]

 

Biggest flaw I see is he doesn't seem to have much power at all for an outfielder.  More of a singles/OBP type player and doesn't seem to have much speed in the SB department.  Looking at his fielding % (yeah, I know, not the most accurate indicator) it seems he isn't that great in the OF defensively either.  

 

Might be what is keeping him back.  

 

He's definitely not going to pile up the HRs, but he's competing for a job against a guy that has hit 2 HR in the last four years.  

 

He had 20 SB and 8 triples in each of the last two seasons.  Seems like he's got some decent speed.  

 

He also has a pretty solid beard game.  That's gotta count for something.

[HaloCory22]

This team needs more Beardocity. 

[SoWhat]

Long would be my choice, but I have a bad feeling the spot will end up going to Cowgil or Shuck. Cowgil has always had good springs but could never carry it into the regular season, so I'm not buying what he's done so far. Here's a list of the numbers he's put the last 3 springs between the A's, Mets, and Angels. 

 

2012: .396/.455/.563/1.017

2013: .303./.378/.591/.969

2014: .275/.333/.550/.883

 

Very good springs followed up by a sub .700 OPS in the regular season.  I'm honestly not a fan of Shuck at all, he only offers one decent tool. I like Long's upside the most out of the bunch and has done more than enough this spring to get a crack at the job. 

[Broad Street]

Both.

[Fontana Halo]

Long has more upside and probably needs everyday ABs so I'd keep Shuck on the 25 man, since he'll probably never be anything more than a glorified Reggie Willits.

[SoWhat]

Long has more upside and probably needs everyday ABs so I'd keep Shuck on the 25 man, since he'll probably never be anything more than a glorified Reggie Willits.

 

Willits 2.0

 

Look how much their minor league numbers mirror each other. 

 

Shuck: .301/.382/.381/.763

Willits: .293/.391/.378/.769

[Fontana Halo]

 

Willits 2.0

 

Look how much their minor league numbers mirror each other. 

 

Shuck: .301/.382/.381/.763

Willits: .293/.391/.378/.769

 

Hey I got fond memories of both so don't blow my buzz. :drunk:

[Docwaukee]

Shoulda made this thread a poll, Doc.

 

I am actually not a big poll guy (yep. I typed that.  Do your worst).  I feel like people are less inclined to respond and discuss. 

[Homebrewer]

I am actually not a big poll guy (yep. I typed that.  Do your worst).  I feel like people are less inclined to respond and discuss. 

Not going there.

You're probably right about the discussion aspect.

[Second Base]

Matt Long is living evidence that sometimes, it doesn't matter how good you look in Spring, some jobs just aren't up for grabs.  Not a fan of Shuck at all, but he's fast enough to pinch run and can slap his way on base.  That's gotta count for something.