I don't know what they'll do with Franklin when he comes up. I like Ryan's defense he's probably saved us 20+ runs this season. I heard they could possibly move Franklin to 3rd we'll see. Anyone know the story on his defense?

On another note Hultzen is scheduled to start Sat at Colorado Springs, and 1st time in TAC the 28th vs. 51's.

Is defense important... I thought that the SS was there just to hit??????

Out of interest when someone says Ryan has saved 20 runs, is there a way to corralate that with what the equivalent hitting stats would be? Or is that when you just start adding his bat and glove and coming up with his WAR?

It's interesting though, I would absolutely be happy having Ryan at SS hitting around his career line. The challenge with that is you need guys that can hit at not so defensive premium positions. This team really is starting to develop and I just love watching it. Add a coule of good starters in for next year and we could see the start of a nice we run of strong competitive years.

To think that Ryan was in the two hole last year too. there was some info on PI about Franklin and the thought was sign Ryan as a great cheap cover while Franklin comes on, I completely agree.

Fangraphs credits Ryan with 18 Defensive Runs Saved. The defensive leader is Toronto's third baseman, Brett Lawrie, with 27 DRS. I see no advantage to moving Ryan to third. Lawrie gives the Jays enough offense from the position to warrant his playing a position where offensive production is generally considered to be more important. Shortstop is considered the more important defensive position in the so-called defensive spectrum, but there's been an apparent shift in the offensive spectrum in regard to the shortstop position. Here's a somewhat dated article from Baseball Prospectus on the subject (I don't know how things might have changed in the eight years since it was authored):

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=3484

Simply stated, the ascendancy of slugging shortstops in recent history has caused some rethinking of the traditional spectrum. Which brings us to Nick Franklin.

I don't know how much better than Ryan he'll be offensively when he faces big-league pitching; but if the divide between them is substantial enough, I'd observe that somehow the Yankees have muddled through with the famously deficient defense of Derek Jeter. Maybe the M's can do the same.

I should've been more clear not Ryan to 3rd, Franklin to 3rd or some comparable position. And it was an article or blog that mentioned it.

I agree it's like a annoying parrot that won't shut up. Some people just won't listen, the game of baseball outside technology hasn't changed, it's the fans and people that have changed.

What it took for the Rangers was a multifaceted commitment to player development. With a strong MiL system you can both develop for your team and trade better for need. I see that happening in Seattle. But it's always tough watching the team lose while waiting for the future.

Quit listening to Dave Sims! Their not gonna move Seager from third. Ryan's days of swinging and missing are coming to an end!!!!

http://www.scoutingbook.com/players/p2606

A solid, gritty shortstop without a single stand-out tool in his bag, Florida grad Nick Franklin projects as 'a switch-hitting Michael Young' according to at least one scout. He's an above-average fielder with decent range, a solid line-drive hitter with a discerning eye, and a faster-than-average baserunner with good judgment.

Franklin spent most of 2011 in high-A, but a final month at AA Jackson was eye-opening, as the scouts' darling Nicky slashed .325/.371/.482 with seven extra base hits and five steals in 21 games. He will contend for a Mariner job in 2012.

[ Bio Updated Spring, 2012

Either you misunderstood me or you're replying to the wrong person.

No, you were clear enough; I just failed to read you carefully. I need more sleep.

Hultzen may be pitching vs. Moyer Thursday at Cheney stadium anyone going to the game?

http://blog.thenewstribune.com/mariners/2012/06/26/moyer-vs-hultzen-its-a-possibility/