Once a week Frankie Piliere, baseball analyst for MLB Fanhouse and former scout with the Texas Rangers, conducts a live chat at http://mlb.fanhouse.com/. On Wednesday, 18 November 2009 I had the opportunity to ask him some questions:
Thomas Kaunzner:
Would you agree that J.J. Hardy is going to bat behind Morneau and Mauer, unlike Orlando Cabrera who was batting 2nd?
Frankie Piliere:
Yes I imagine he'll at least start down behind them in the order.
Thomas Kaunzner:
Can the Rangers further improve their rotation in order to contend? I'm asking because pitchers don't seem to like pitching in this ballpark.
Frankie Piliere:
I think they can attract someone with the right money. It's not like a lot of the big market teams have pitching paradises to pitch in. Fenway and the new Yankee stadium aren't exactly a walk in the park.
Thomas Kaunzner:
Are you happy with Zack Greinke winning the AL Cy Young? Many argue King Felix [Hernandez] should have won.
Frankie Piliere:
I think Greinke was the right choice. I think it's a very tough argument to say he didn't deserve it.
Thomas Kaunzner:
And who is your favourite to win the NL Cy Young award?
Frankie Piliere:
I think it belongs to [Adam] Wainwright.
Thomas Kaunzner:
Is Khalil Greene ever going to live up to the high expectations?