Graffinino

[bigpapi349]

I think Graffinino is a great short term pick up for this year. Next year hopefully pedroia is ready to play 2B

graffinino

herald

:thumbsup:

[elsrbueno]

A solid player who's very versatile. Graffanino would be one of those pickups that wouldn't get a lot of press, but could help the team depth wise.

 

From an ESPN article:

 

Graffanino has fashioned a 10-year major-league career out of his ability to move around the infield and outfield. Now with his fourth organization, he played only second base with the Royals last season. But he has moved around more this year, contributing at all four infield spots.

 

He excels as a situational hitter – he's capable of hitting behind the runner and dropping down a bunt. He reached the major leagues as a middle infielder, and those defensive instincts continue to serve him well.

 

"When you talk about guys who can do a lot of little things to help you win games," said one scout, "you're talking about a guy like this."

 

Not on the same level as a Nomar Garciaparra/Orlando Cabrera type deal, but seems like something the Sox should look into.

[Ringo]

We got Graffinino?... When did this happen? i heard that we were thinking about him or maybe Ronnie Belliard, but i didn't know we got him or it was a done deal.

[Sox Fan on Cape]

Relax. Read the post, it is stated as in opinion. A very good one , I might add !

[Ringo]

To be honest, id rather have Ronnie Belliard than Graffinino. Belliard is young and could contribute for years. Plus he's better than Graffinino now, with the bat and the glove.

[bigpapi349]

BELLIARD-30 yrs old

AVG-.277

HR-8

RBI-34

fielding pct.-.979

sb-2

in 80 games this year

 

Graffaninio-33 yrs old

AVG-.298

HR-3

RBI-18

fielding pct.-.987

sb-3

in 59 games this year

[yankeessuck013]

we only need a 2nd basemen for this year (or til bellhorn comes back) to make room for pedroia hopefully next year...though i wouldn't mind having soriano or hudson

[bigpapi349]

bellhorns time is over. he shouldnt start when he comes back. we need a solid 2b for 1 or 2 years. dont need soriano but need someone like a belliard or grafinino

[Sox Fan on Cape]

bellhorns time is over. he shouldnt start when he comes back. we need a solid 2b for 1 or 2 years. dont need soriano but need someone like a belliard or grafinino

 

Right on ! I like your style !

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

Neither Graffanino or Belliard are a long term solution but I wouldnt mind having one take over as a utility infielder. Pick up one of them and then dump Cora. I would rather have Belliard cause if you noticed....our team doesnt seem to be hitting as many HRs as I remember. I'd still like to see Hanley give 2nd a try in the majors.....he might be just what we need.

[Ringo]

I agree...we need Belliard over Graffinino because right now this team is struggling driving in runs..Belliard could help somewhat with that..he would atlest help more than any 2nd baseman we have or more than Graffinino.

[elsrbueno]

I agree...we need Belliard over Graffinino because right now this team is struggling driving in runs..Belliard could help somewhat with that..he would atlest help more than any 2nd baseman we have or more than Graffinino.

 

Well, I think if you're looking for a guy to play for you everyday, Belliard is probably a better option. He's got more offense and is OK with the glove. However, if you're looking for someone to make the bench a bit deeper, Graffanino's the man. He's able to play all infield and outfield positions-- basically everything EXCEPT catcher and pitcher. Much more valuable as a bench option. Plus, Graffanino is clearly better with the glove, and neither one of these guys will be the second baseman of the future so age is not an issue.

 

Personally, I'd rather go after Tony G. He'd be cheaper, he's more versatile (and it keeps Mueller from having to play second, which he obviously doesn't have to do), and he'd make the bench that much stronger for when Bellhorn does come back (and you know he's coming back folks).

[riverside sluggers]

yeah his 298 avg, means he can get on base for the team. and sox are in need of baserunners actually able to get home. Last night we had 6 walks, johnny on base from an error, and 3 hits. Thats 10 baserunners altogether, and scored just one run.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

Well, I think if you're looking for a guy to play for you everyday, Belliard is probably a better option. He's got more offense and is OK with the glove. However, if you're looking for someone to make the bench a bit deeper, Graffanino's the man. He's able to play all infield and outfield positions-- basically everything EXCEPT catcher and pitcher. Much more valuable as a bench option. Plus, Graffanino is clearly better with the glove, and neither one of these guys will be the second baseman of the future so age is not an issue.

 

Personally, I'd rather go after Tony G. He'd be cheaper, he's more versatile (and it keeps Mueller from having to play second, which he obviously doesn't have to do), and he'd make the bench that much stronger for when Bellhorn does come back (and you know he's coming back folks).

 

I wouldn't mind Graffanino but only if they are bringing up Hanley....otherwise I would want Belliard for the time being to challenge Bellhorn and push him a little harder...cause you are right he is coming back. But if either Hanley or Belliard performed well it may change things....Graffanino would just keep the seat warm although I like how he can play all infield positions.

[bigpapi349]

Royals trade Graffanino to Red Sox

 

By BOB DUTTON The Kansas City Star

 

 

CLEVELAND — The Royals jumped into the July trading season Tuesday afternoon when they sent veteran infielder Tony Graffanino to the Boston Red Sox for two minor-league players.

 

The deal came together in the last 24 hours when the Red Sox sought a replacement for injured second baseman Mark Bellhorn.

 

The Royals received left-hander Juan Cedeno from Class A Wilmington and outfielder Chip Ambres from Class AAA Pawtucket.

 

Ambres, 25, is likely to replace Graffanino on the Royals’ roster, but Cedeno, 22, is viewed by club officials as the key acquisition in the deal.

 

Cedeno is a left-hander with a fastball that regularly reaches 95 mph. He recently converted to bullpen duty and will pitch as a reliever at Class AA Wichita.

 

“We really like his potential,” general manager Allard Baird said. “He gives us another power arm. He shows signs of a plus breaking ball, but that still needs work — as does his command.”

 

Cedeno, 6 feet 1 and 175 pounds, was 2-6 with a 5.61 ERA in 21 appearances at Wilmington. He has 68 strikeouts in 78 1/3 innings but also 37 walks and 10 wild pitches.

 

Ambres was the Marlins’ first-round pick in 1998 and spent six years in the Florida organization before signing last November with the Red Sox as a minor-league free agent.

 

He is batting .294 in 83 games at Pawtucket with 10 homers and 50 RBIs in 83 games. That puts him ahead of his career pace — .258 with 67 and 303 in 715 games.

 

“He can play center field and he has some speed,” Baird said. “But one thing we really like is his plate discipline.”

 

Ambres has 153 steals in seven pro seasons, including 17 this season in 20 attempts, and 403 career walks. He is 6-1, 190 pounds and bats and throws right-handed.

 

Graffanino, 33, departs after 1? seasons with the Royals. He was batting .298 in 59 games with three homers and 18 RBIs.

 

The Red Sox pursued Graffanino when he became a free agent after the 2003 season before he signed with the Royals.

 

Boston’s need for a second baseman escalated Sunday after Bellhorn sprained his left thumb while making a diving play against the Yankees. He was placed on the disabled list Monday.

 

kansas city star