J.J. Hardy

[Coach1310]

What are everyone's thoughts on him? When we made the deal I was pretty much for it because we had an extra outfielder and needed a shortstop. I really thought we might catch lightning in a bottle and Hardy would come back to the player he was during his career year, but that definitely isn't the case.

My biggest issue is I just don't see what he brings to the table. I have no idea what his fielding numbers and his sabremetrics and all that stuff is, but from where I sit, he sure doesn't seem to give you much more than ordinary MLB shortstop play. His average is well.. average to below average and for the once in a great while he hits a home runs, he has more terrible at bats in my opinion.

I didn't look up his numbers, but as the #9 hitter, one thing you like to see is a guy who gets on base, but I can't imagine he has a great OBP. The way Casilla has played since coming off the disabled list I would love to see him out there more often.

Just wondered what others thoughts were.

[PierBridge]

Very happy with him. Outstanding glove and a decent bat. If he could stay healthy we would see a bit more from him offensively IMO.

Wasn't happy with the low throw tonight if that is whats really bugging you and set this thread in motion?

[blue_healer_guy]

Very happy with him, means less of Punto. Bad throw tonite, cuddy has been ok, but morny makes that play.

[zepman]

I think he's been o.k....nothing more. He's the kind of player the Twins like and will keep around for awhile...especially since him and Mauer are good buddies.

[zamboni]

Rather have O Cabrera back. My reason is Hardys been hurt too much, if healthy I think he would be just a tad under where Cabrera was

[nofishfisherman]

Being in and out with injuries all season has really hurt his production I think. I am going to wait to pass judgment on him until I can see a long stretch where he has a chance to get comfortable and get in a groove.

I do like the fact that it looks like we are starting to make some decisions about who is going to be our future infielders which has been a long time in coming. Valencia is earning his spot at 3rd and Hardy should have SS locked up if he can stay healthy. Even Casilla seems to be figuring things out so I like the way the infield is shaping up, at least compared to the past several seasons. Punto should now be back where be belongs as defensive replacement and spot starter to give guys a rest now and then.

[Big Dave2]

Punto should now be back where be belongs as defensive replacement and spot starter to give guys a rest now and then.

I have nothing against Hardy, he is hitting right at his career average of .260 so you know what you are getting with this guy and IMO he makes GREAT defensive plays but what is it that you like about Hardy so much more than Punto? Is it his .07 better batting average? Punto's OBP is a little better which is what you are looking for out of a #9 hitter. To me they are about the same player at about the same salary. The only difference is there is a chance of some power out of Hardy's bat but we have not seen much of it this year.

[SledNeck]

Hardy has twice the arm of Punto

[The J-Man!]

Rather have O Cabrera back. My reason is Hardys been hurt too much, if healthy I think he would be just a tad under where Cabrera was

That is crazy talk.

First of all O. Cabrera is on the DL right now and is 35 years old. His numbers in the NL currently: .260/.302/.339

JJ Hardy's in the AL: .260/.309/.390

And that completely disregards Hardy's massive advantage on defense.

[Coach1310]

Very happy with him. Outstanding glove and a decent bat. If he could stay healthy we would see a bit more from him offensively IMO.

Wasn't happy with the low throw tonight if that is whats really bugging you and set this thread in motion?

Didn't see the game, so that isn't it. I didn't miss much, however from the way it looks.

I understand he has been banged up, but that is kind of his track record from what I know. Little nagging things all the time and not what you would call a fast healer.

After looking up the numbers, he has been better than I thought. For the most part I like his defense, although I didn't think he was a good as his numbers show in the fielding %. His age and relationship with Mauer are a plus as I can see him signing a deal for not a ton of $$$ to stay around, but then again we have Plouffe waiting in the wings so who knows.

I guess I can take him or leave him. I would much rather have him be the everyday shortstop then Punto.

[Harmonica Bear]

Amen

[Willy]

Hardy has much more range than Punto. That is why he is a better shortstop. He also does have that cannon of an arm. IMO, he is one of the best defensive shortstops in the league.

His hitting is not great, but at least he has a little pop when he is healthy. Punto does get on base more often though.

[zamboni]

First of all O. Cabrera is on the DL right now and is 35 years old. His numbers in the NL currently: .260/.302/.339

JJ Hardy's in the AL: .260/.309/.390

And that completely disregards Hardy's massive advantage on defense.

Pick Up of Cabrera last season got us into the playoffs. FACT. Remember game 163? HR Cabrera. Hardy had been on the DL TWICE BEFORE the All Star break.

[Harmonica Bear]

but.... the year before that Hardy played 146 games, batted 283, hit 24 HR's and drove in 74 RBI

[Big Tom]

As noted, very sound defensively. Arbitration eligible for next year. I'd have to see more offensive from him to feel good about $5M+ for 2012.

[mrklean]

Hardy or Gomez, yeah i think we made the right choice

[zamboni]

Hardy or Gomez, yeah i think we made the right choice

I don't mind that trade one bit, just liked Cabrera while he was here. Gomez can smell his bat in Milwaukee

[mrklean]

if we would have traded gomez away for a few cases of miller i would have been happy with that