Accord Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 Pierre taking more time off By Mike Canan staff writer March 24, 2005 JUPITER ? Florida Marlins center fielder Juan Pierre still has not returned from his calf injury, and manager Jack McKeon told him to take a few days completely off. The Marlins' leadoff man left a game on March 7 and hasn't played since. He has been able to hit in the batting cages, but his running has been limited. "I thought he would certainly be available right now when it first happened," McKeon said. "I don't know what's the story with him. He's basically the only one that can tell us how it is. I imagine he's chomping at the bit too, knowing him. But there's still plenty of time. "Thank God he was in good shape to start with, and he hasn't missed a beat as far as hitting and stuff like that." Pierre declined to comment on Tuesday, and the Marlins were off Wednesday. McKeon said he still hopes Pierre can return for opening day. "He's an important ingredient in that lineup," McKeon said. "When you look at us play, you see that leadoff guy's not on causing havoc at the top of the lineup. He gets on and we can do some things. And that's missing." http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/local_news/artic...3646746,00.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flag Man Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 No genius on my part, but I posted yesterday that if JP didn't play 2 of the 3 games this weekend (when Jack says he will begin to use the Starters to win games), that I doubted if JP would be available for Opening Day. JP is amazing. So, maybe a miracle will (prayerfully) happen. JP will be back. Sometime. Mean time, I'm watching Jack to see who starts in CF. Aguila is a Bench lock. But, IMO, Encarnacion will get the nod. I look to see Enc starting in CF 2 of the next 3 games. Enc can handle it (may turn out to be his best position.) Cabs-Enc-Niner Opening Day But, no one replaces Juan Pierre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBMarlin Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 The best prescription right now is rest. Knowing JP, he'll be there for opening day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuickGold Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 Hope he gets better real quick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flag Man Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 FootNotes to above: Under these JP circumstances, Enc cannot be traded now. But, his exposure in CF will add immensely to his mid-season trade value. JP's biggest asset, besides his character and work-ethic, is his speed. But, once he gets back in the line-up, you can't expect him to be at full-speed. And, psychologically, he's going to favor that strainable calf. I don't see him anxious to steal, or to extend a double into a triple. And related... I'm anxious to see Enc dive for balls. That's how he screwed up his shoulder. Has to be in the back of his mind, too. On the positive side, both of these guys take great pride in their work. They are gamers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinivedivichi Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 He has a strained calf, not a blown knee. I seriously doubt he's gonna be gimpy when he gets back, or have psychological problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarlinFan10 Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 The only player to play every inning of every game last year: Juan Pierre. I'm not worried about this guy being reading for Opening day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rferry Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 The only player to play every inning of every game last year: Juan Pierre. I'm not worried about this guy being reading for Opening day. 720161[/snapback] True, but I worry about his effectiveness. JP's game is speed, and hardwork and intelligence to use that speed. If he slows down he becomes a shell of his former self making it hard for the Marlins to win and keep their loyality to him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legacyofCangelosi Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 You're right about the last part, however he is still a good contact hitter, who doesnt strike out and always hits around .300. If he loses some speed like castillo did he can still manage. however, loss of speed may mean reed may be our option next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarlinsContinueTo ShowDomi Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 Pierre does lose his "essence" without his speed, but he has a good enough swing that as a hitter he would survive, although not as a premier leadoff bat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarlinFan10 Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 The only player to play every inning of every game last year: Juan Pierre.? I'm not worried about this guy being reading for Opening day. 720161[/snapback] True, but I worry about his effectiveness. JP's game is speed, and hardwork and intelligence to use that speed. If he slows down he becomes a shell of his former self making it hard for the Marlins to win and keep their loyality to him. 720214[/snapback] Pierre's only 27, he has a few years because he starts to slow down a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rferry Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 You're right about the last part, however he is still a good contact hitter, who doesnt strike out and always hits around .300. If he loses some speed like castillo did he can still manage. however, loss of speed may mean reed may be our option next year. 720235[/snapback] I don't think Castillo and Pierre are quite the same player. Maybe that's because Luiy has been effective since the hip surgery or my preference for him. Castillo has a great eye and instincts at the plate, he has the Wee Willie Keeler Baltimore chop down, can execute the hit and run in a moment's notice, and hit it into the outfield. Very good bat control. Pierre might be a better contact hitter, but without the bat control and his excellent speed he may not be as effective. Fielders can take an extra step back to increase their range and turn those infield hits into outs. Soon that .330 average drops below .300 and that on base percentage, crucial for leadoff hitters, drops too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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