Chase Headley or Ian Stewart?

by Sox Puppet on Dec 12, 2007 5:01 AM EST

Who has the better future? Stewart has been ahead of Headley on prospect lists (last year B+ vs. B) but it seems Headley is closing the gap. Stewart is blocked by Atkins and it appears Kouz may move to LF to make room at 3b for the better defender Headley.

Stewart has been ahead of Headley in most polls but I noticed in some DMB rookie drafts (keeper leagues), Headley has been going before Stewart.

And in our own Community Prospect, Headley's name has been thrown into the mix while Stewart's hasn't (at least I haven't noticed).

STATS
Headley (San Antonio)
0.323 0.431 0.576 1.007 in AA
hit both sides well.

Stewart
0.306 0.379 0.477 0.856 in AAA Col. Springs

I have the 20th pick in a DMB draft and I'm thinking it will come down to these two and I could use a 3b.

Poll

Headley or Stewart, long term?

Chase Headley

106 votes

Ian Stewart

41 votes

About the same for the future

15 votes

162 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Huh?

Why is this poll this close? Either Ian Stewart has a lot compromising photos or people's lips are a little too red from all of the Ian Stewart kool-aid they've been drinking.

by jspearlj1 on Dec 12, 2007 9:13 AM EST reply actions

Personally

I would argue that Ian Stewart may be the better TALENT, for what thats worth. I think people are too down on him and he still has a chance to be a 3b with somne real strengths...hes STRONG and a real good athlete from what I hear and he'll be 23 early next year. With some hard work he could have himself a career as an above average 3b. Not bad.

Headley on the other hand, from everything I've been reading, just seems to me like one of those super-hard working players who are somewhat rare who will totally maximise thier potential and become really-really good. Not HOF good but, Paul O'Neill good or Brain Giles good or something like that... a leader who is also an asset with the bat and glove. I am not comparing him exactly to these players just his sum worth as a big leaguer. Just my educated guess.

I'd take headley but, I like Stewart as well just not as much. I actually think BOTH are underated even thoufgh Headley is kinda skyrocketing on peoples draft charts right now. They wont be disappointed.

by casejud on Dec 12, 2007 9:45 AM EST reply actions

Re; Stewart

I understand what you are trying to say here, but outside of his Asheville year (with its crazy park effects) he's been a mediocre guy by the numbers. His OPS the past 3 years have been between 800-850 and those two years around 850 have been aided by fluky high BABIP that are unsupported by his LD% not to mention the favorable home parks (Home:1.011 OPS, Road 700 OPS last year). sure he's got the talent to be very good, but so far he has shown that he is basically a high 700's OPS good defensive 3B in the majors.

One can argue that he pretty much has never really tapped into his potential, and at this point, it would be pretty foolish to choose him tapping into that versus a guy who looks to be a lock at being a 850-900 OPS 3B soon.

by jspearlj1 on Dec 12, 2007 10:21 AM EST up reply actions

I didnt

Byt on baseballref.com he shows as a guy whos been about 100 OPS points better than his leage and i believe the "league" ops number is adjusted for the team hes on.

Id deffinitely take Headley but, I wouldnt bet against Stewart becoming as good as say, Shea Hillenbrand or something like that.

by casejud on Dec 12, 2007 1:18 PM EST up reply actions

I think Stewart will move to 2nd

For what it's worth, I've heard rumblings that Stewart is going to move to second base to replace Kaz Matsui. That would certainly give him a leg up on Headley, I think.

by Pawtucket Pat on Dec 12, 2007 10:23 AM EST reply actions

yeah I've heard that one before...

Find me one knowledgeable baseball guy who thinks Stewart will handle the move (not in the Rockies organization). Even then, he'll still not be worth Headley going forward. Keep in mind I'm not a huge headley supporter.

by jspearlj1 on Dec 12, 2007 10:27 AM EST up reply actions

Coors vs. Petco

Since you're talking fantasy, I'd take the guy who plays in a much better ballpark for hitters, which would be Stewart in Coors. Even if the ballparks were similar, I would probably take Stewart because there is a chance he could move to 2nd base, a position that is very shallow in impact hitters. Stewart could become a top 5 2nd baseman if he moves there.

http://mvn.com/milb-yankees/

by lemonjello on Dec 12, 2007 12:22 PM EST reply actions

Wow

I'm mildly surprised by the results. A friend of mine in the minors says there's no way Stewart will move to 2b as he's too big to play there and he's a good 3b D-wise. I mentioned Kent as a comp @ 2b, but he said Stewart is built differently and is a pretty solid guy where as Kent was leaner and more athletic back in the day.

The Rox may have just said that since they are looking for a 2b.

Just heard Headley may go to Pitt in a Jason Bay deal.

by Sox Puppet on Dec 12, 2007 2:02 PM EST reply actions