Benny Agbayani to Become a Marine

Did Bobby play a role? Yes, he did. He invited Agbayani to a five-day try-out. After watching him hit all variety of pitch, Lotte officials were ready to sign him after two or three days.

Valentine-kantoku knows what will work in Japan, and is building his team accordingly. Watch out for Chiba in 2004.

I think Lotte will be competitive next year. Kintetsu has lost Rhodes, Seibu will probably lose Matsui, and Daiei gave Kokubo away and might lose Muramatsu and Iguchi as well. The Pacific League should be more competitive top through bottom next year.

I'm a big Met fan here, and nothing makes me happier than to hear that Benny's got another crack at high-level pro ball.

Of course Bobby V. played a hand in bringing him over. There's no question that he'd bring one of his favorite players with him if he could. Do you think he's got the makeup to be a good player for Lotte?

I don't know if Benny's got what it takes to be a success in Japan. A free-swinger like him might not put up numbers, especially when you consider the fact that Chiba Marine Stadium is a big pallpark with MLB dimensions.

The last time Bobby V. brought over one of his former players to provide power it didn't work out. Pete Incaviglia blew like the wind at Chiba Marine.

I think that the Benny deal is probably just to make Bobby V. feel a little more comfortable in Japan. But other than that, I don't see anything good out of this deal. I've gone to see the Mets play a lot while I lived in the NorthEast, and Benny did not please me in any standards of the game. The only positive note that I ever got out of the Mets was watching Ordonez play.

But if I were Bobby V. I would've gotten a player such as Me. Someone who doesn't hit for power, someone who plays for fun and is very fast. I know I would be able to make things happen in the short game, either stealing a couple bags or laying down that sweet bunt.

But that's my opinion. We'll just wait 'til the season starts to see what happens.

Amaury

- I don't see anything good out of this deal. I've gone to see the Mets play a lot while I lived in the NorthEast, and Benny did not please me in any standards of the game. The only positive note that I ever got out of the Mets was watching Ordonez play.

Yeah, those .248/.291/.311 career hitters are really something to watch.

You seem to be placing too much emphasis on defense. Agbayani (.274/.362/.445) is a much better hitter than Ordonez. I'll take a so-so fielding, .800 OPS bat in left over an all-glove, no-stick shortstop any day. Benny will do just fine in Japan.

Benny was very disappointed when he didn't go to Japan in 2003. Hope he does well in 2004.

Like I said earlier, nothing good out of this deal. Why pick a guy who's going to strike out at least 100 times a season when you can get a guy who's going to be more productive on the other side of the field? Benny has a big bat, but that's it. No speed, no defense, and an average arm. The only plus that Benny got was a job.

- [...] Why pick a guy who's going to strike out at least 100 times a season when you can get a guy who's going to be more productive on the other side of the field? Benny has a big bat, but that's it. No speed, no defense, and an average arm. [...]

Of course I'd prefer a five-tool player, but if I can't have that, I'll take the player that can hit for a decent average with power than a player like Ordonez who has speed, plays great defense with a plus arm, and couldn't hit is way out of a paper bag -- much less get on base at an acceptable rate. Production at the plate is more important than production on the other side of the field.