I think Juan coming off the bench as a defensive replacement/pinch hitter/pinch runner serves our team better depth wise than anything else.669149[/snapback]

 

I disagree. I think Conine coming off the bench as a defensive replacement in the outfield and being our only true backup first baseman, being by far the best hitter off the bench, and one extremely intelligent baserunner, HE would serve our team's depth better.

 

But I guess we'll agree to disagree.

Go with conine. Several reasons. I really dont see us having either one on the bench, but if we do then you start with conine and then put enc as a late inning defensive replacement. Enc is better than his #'s last season indicate, but he gets paid too much for a platoon player. On top of that it wont help team chemistry to have one of thsoe 2 guys on the bench asking for playing time. The only way i see enc starting is if conine isnt ready b/c of injury, but coming off the surgeries, the niner should be feeling better than he was last year and will most likely perform as well or better. Enc too had surgery, but if you have to pick one, you go with the solid veteran leader who can still belt 15-20 HRs and put up 80-90 rbi's when healthy. By the way conine did not show 'his age' in 2004, he was hurt all year, happens to younger guys also.

Flip a coin.

 

Overall Conine's the better player with the better bat and above-average defense, however he would also be the better bench player of the two.

Considering we don't know the health of either after surgery, nevermind seeing what they do in spring training, doesn't anyone else think this thread is about two months premature?

Considering we don't know the health of either after surgery, nevermind seeing what they do in spring training, doesn't anyone else think this thread is about two months premature?

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:thumbup

Juan will put up numbers in his contract year. I'd rather start him and the second he screws up, ship his arse to Arizona with Stokes for someone.