Rockies to move Ian Stewart off 3B

by samjjones on Aug 31, 2006 8:21 AM EDT

The Rockies are apparently going to keep Atkins and try to convert Stewart to the OF. With Matt Holliday firmly entrenched in LF, I'm curious as to where Stewart will end up.

http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_4264819

Moving off 3B, combined with his less than dominant performance at AA this year, would seem to indicate that his prospect status is taking a significant hit.

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I don't think

that's necessarily the case. Garrett Atkins deserves to stay at 3b.

"Baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical" - Yogi Berra

by the pinstripes on Aug 31, 2006 9:09 AM EDT reply actions

Not sure I understand your post

The Rockies' GM is also saying that Atkins deserves to stay at 3B, and given his past two seasons, I agree with him. My question is with Matt Holliday in LF (without the arm to play RF), where does that leave Stewart? I don't recall ever reading reports that he has a great arm, and I seriously doubt he'll have the range to patrol the cavernous spaces of the Coors OF. Trade bait?

by samjjones on Aug 31, 2006 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Hawpe

Hawpe has a .900 OPS in RF as well.

If the motivation for this move is purely Atkins and nothing to do with Stewart's capabilities then it's a year too soon. Stewart's possible OF destinations are also manned by guys swinging mean sticks.

Bobby Crosby - a poor man's Adam Everett.

by natsfan2005 @ Minor League Ball on Aug 31, 2006 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions

my point

is that I don't think there is a direct correlation between his prospect status and a possible position change.

"Baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical" - Yogi Berra

by the pinstripes on Aug 31, 2006 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions

40 doubles

Am I missing something here? Other than batting average, Ian Stewart is having a very similar season to Garrett Atkins at AA.

Stewart : 40 2B, 7 3B, 10 HR, 49 BB
Atkins : 40 2B, 0 3B, 21 HR, 57 BB

The difference here is that Stewart is 21 and has loads of power potential, and Atkins is 26 this is probably the most power he'll ever manage.

Stewart's been a disappointment, but no way am I dropping him from my team.

by delmonfan on Aug 31, 2006 9:56 AM EDT reply actions

Stewart's Power

Stewart also has recurring wrist injuries, and has never really shown significant homerun power in games the past two seasons. Yes, he hits lots of extra-base hits, and its possible that those doubles will turn into homeruns, but its no longer the near certainty it once was.

Does anybody know if Stewart is capable of playing 2B?

by samjjones on Aug 31, 2006 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Baker

How many converted 3B's can the Rockies put in the OF? At some point, they are going to have to unload somebody.

Policeman: Sir, are you classified as human? Korben Dallas: Ah, negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by finman on Aug 31, 2006 11:48 AM EDT reply actions

Holliday

I bet Matt Holliday will be moved. It might not be this offseason but it could be the next trade deadline. He is the closest to free agency and hired Boras recently. He has no long term future in Colorado.

by colinadam on Aug 31, 2006 12:44 PM EDT reply actions

And that is the point......

Rockies Management is going to get a very big read on the Boras/Holliday negotiations this off-season. They are going to try and sign him to an extension (Rather than go through arbitration the next 3 years).....

If Boras wants to do a deal.....Holliday will stay......if he doesn't, then I think Holliday may be dealt after the 2007 season to make room for Ian Stewart/Seth Smith or Jeff Baker.

As for Stewart.....as a 3B, I would think he'd have enough arm to play RF if Hawpe falters next year, but I'm not sure.

by sg8335aa on Aug 31, 2006 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions

It's simple..

I've seen this coming for a while. It was either trade Stewart or move him to the outfield.

You don't get rid of a major league third baseman entering his prime who can post a 900 OPS and consistently hit around .300.

Quite frankly, Ian Stewart may be expendable to the Rockies unless he can play CF. They should try to move him once his value gets high again.

Rays in '08....

by youALREADYknow on Aug 31, 2006 1:38 PM EDT reply actions

Stewart

CF? If he could manage the position physically it would make sense. Otherwise Holliday might be on his way out.

by limozeen on Aug 31, 2006 4:35 PM EDT reply actions

CF

I don't see CF in the future. If he's playing 3B, I don't see how he could possibly have the range to play CF, especially in Coors. I wonder if he could play 2B as well, as someone else mentioned.

Rios is the next Juan Gonzales, thats right, I said it.

by KaoticKlown on Aug 31, 2006 11:06 PM EDT reply actions