This is a discussion on Brad "Big Country" Eldred within the Pittsburgh Pirates forum at Strike 3 Forums; What is everyone's opinion on Eldred? Well,he can't hit anything but the ...

BnGBleeder · **Brad "Big Country" Eldred -** 03-03-2007, 07:52 PM

What is everyone's opinion on Eldred?

Well,he can't hit anything but the fastball...and if you can't hit a breaking ball with consistency you won't be much of a hitter in the majors.

His fielding is looking better this ST than in the past.

"Big Country" looks like he is out to prove himself this ST.I don't know if it's to himself,the Pirates,or another team though.Adam LaRoche is the first baseman,there is no question about that.Id Eldred can't or won't play another position,I can see him being traded for a big missing part...and if it happens I won't be that sad to see him go.

Witlon · 03-03-2007, 10:31 PM

Yeah, I don't think he has much of a future as anything more than a minor league slugger, especially in Pittsburgh. You rarely ever find the .230-40 HR 1B/DH's around these days, and I'm pretty sure that what he would turn in to. I would've loved to see him stay healthy last year and take the job after Casey was dealt, but t'was not to be.

Friday133 · 03-05-2007, 11:25 AM

In a perfect world Eldred would gain some average and be able to switch to the outfield. Doubtful though.

Kingdom_of_Zito · 03-05-2007, 12:11 PM

Friday likes anything "big"

redsrbetter · 03-05-2007, 01:56 PM

Did he play against us in any of the ST games? Do you guys have an Edwards on your team? I know there was a 1B our broadcast team was calling Edwards yesterday. Same guy, and wrong name?

Witlon · 03-05-2007, 03:47 PM

Nah, Mike Edwards, minor league depth and utility man played first yesterday. Completely different guy.

Friday133 · 03-08-2007, 12:25 PM

Well maybe I was onto something, the PG is reporting Eldred is getting some work in the OF. Hopefully he can learn to shag a ball.

Witlon · 03-08-2007, 04:56 PM

I thought they tried this last year, as well, and Eldred just didn't have the speed and range to play out there?

I mean, I'm all for giving him a shot, but I'm still skepical that this is going to work out in the long run.

BnGBleeder · 03-08-2007, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by Witlon

I thought they tried this last year, as well, and Eldred just didn't have the speed and range to play out there?

I mean, I'm all for giving him a shot, but I'm still skepical that this is going to work out in the long run.

I thought we tried last year to,but hey if he can do it this year awesome.

Friday133 · 03-12-2007, 02:08 PM

From the sounds of it Eldred played decent in right field over the weekend. He was able to shag a fly ball! Why not have him play right field?

Witlon · 03-12-2007, 06:04 PM

Does he have the arm to play right field? Will he hit .250 if given significant at bats? How long will it be until he pulls a hammy and winds up on the DL?

I highly doubt this will work out as a long term solution, even if he does do well in the spring.

Friday133 · 03-13-2007, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by Witlon

Does he have the arm to play right field? Will he hit .250 if given significant at bats? How long will it be until he pulls a hammy and winds up on the DL?

I highly doubt this will work out as a long term solution, even if he does do well in the spring.

We've had 15 straight losing seasons, its worth a shot. Just imagine a lineup with both LaRoche and Eldred! Not to mention Bay and Sanchez as well.

CrimsonTribe · 03-13-2007, 05:12 PM

I remember watching Brad play in Lynchburg. He sure could put a charge into a ball. If he could hit .230 in the majors w/ a .350ish OBP and 30-40 hrs, I'd take him over the collaboration of crap that the O's have at 1B, or even better as a DH.

Witlon · 03-13-2007, 08:57 PM

I'm sorry, but I'll take X's .280-20 with average defense over Eldred's .240-35 with limited range and arm.

Friday133 · 03-15-2007, 04:03 PM

I'll take anything that makes the Pirates contenders again.