amag
02-06-2002, 04:55 PM
You'll see a few scouting reports around here every now and then... it'll be one of a few things I do to add more content to this board for the fellow St. Loowie fans out there.
2001 Season
Fernando Vina put to rest the notion that he couldn't hold up for an entire season by having the best all-around year of his career. He was one of the Cardinals' most valuable players, logging 154 games on his way to hitting .300. He scored 95 runs and posted career-highs in homers and RBI. In addition, he won a Gold Glove for his defensive play at second base.
Hitting
Few hitters put the ball in play more consistently than Vina. He is tough to both strike out and walk. The lack of base on balls is the one flaw in his otherwise complete leadoff hitter's package. Howerever, he is one of the best at "stealing" first by allowing pitches to just graze him while at the plate. He is a good fastball hitter who can fight off breaking stuff to the opposite field. Vina also is an adept bunter and mixes in very underrated gap power, which last year produced 47 extra-base hits. He hits lefthanded and righthanded pitching equally well.
Baserunning & Defense
Vina is someone who possesses more quickness than exceptional speed. As a result, he is an inconsistent basestealer. Even though he gets great jumps, a good throw still can beat him. Defensivley, he's a premier second basemen. Though he may not quite have Alomar-esque range, Vina does have a strong and accurate arm, fearless diving ability and great hands. And no one hangs in better on the double play.
2002 Outlook
Like so many other modern players who thier prime in their 30s due to improved conditioning, Vina's best years may be ahead of him. He is one of the game's best second basemen and he also brings to the table a leadoff skill that is increasingly rare. He can be a premier player for St. Louis into the forseeable future.
2001 Season
Fernando Vina put to rest the notion that he couldn't hold up for an entire season by having the best all-around year of his career. He was one of the Cardinals' most valuable players, logging 154 games on his way to hitting .300. He scored 95 runs and posted career-highs in homers and RBI. In addition, he won a Gold Glove for his defensive play at second base.
Hitting
Few hitters put the ball in play more consistently than Vina. He is tough to both strike out and walk. The lack of base on balls is the one flaw in his otherwise complete leadoff hitter's package. Howerever, he is one of the best at "stealing" first by allowing pitches to just graze him while at the plate. He is a good fastball hitter who can fight off breaking stuff to the opposite field. Vina also is an adept bunter and mixes in very underrated gap power, which last year produced 47 extra-base hits. He hits lefthanded and righthanded pitching equally well.
Baserunning & Defense
Vina is someone who possesses more quickness than exceptional speed. As a result, he is an inconsistent basestealer. Even though he gets great jumps, a good throw still can beat him. Defensivley, he's a premier second basemen. Though he may not quite have Alomar-esque range, Vina does have a strong and accurate arm, fearless diving ability and great hands. And no one hangs in better on the double play.
2002 Outlook
Like so many other modern players who thier prime in their 30s due to improved conditioning, Vina's best years may be ahead of him. He is one of the game's best second basemen and he also brings to the table a leadoff skill that is increasingly rare. He can be a premier player for St. Louis into the forseeable future.