What will we do with Juan Rivera?

[Spencerholic]

I'm wondering what you guys the future for Rivera is within our organization. Might we see him in the bigs a little bit next year? Maybe a left fielder in two years? Or do you think we'll trade him in a deal for a Dye type player (if they lower their asking price)?

[DandyRandy48]

If he continues doing good, I wouldn't be surprised to see him in rightfield next year when Paulie retires.

[Bern51]

Next year might be pushing it too much, I think, depending on if Nick Johnson and Drew Henson get starting jobs next year. I doubt Henson will, but if Johnson does, I don't know if Joe would want two rookie starters. I would like to See Rivera at the end of next year, though. I hope they don't trade him, he's looking too good.

[Broadway Joe]

I think he could be in the Bigs next year, at least I hope so. I think this guy is phenominal. Word is he has cannon for an arm.

[Nome]

First, we need to resist all temptations to use him in a trade.
Second let's let him develop at his pace.
He could be a good one if he works at it.

[ChicagoYankeeFan]

I don't think Rivera will ever be moved to Left - just because of his strong arm and defense in right. On the other hand, I'm not certain he will be ready for next season. His walk ratio was very poor in Norwich and hasn't been impressive throughout his minor league career, but hitting .320 in Norwich is a great acheivement for a 22 yr old hitter.

Longer term, I think he's an athlete who will continue to improve his hitting and get to the bigs because of his defense and power potential. If he improves as much next year as he did this year, he'll be in line for a starting job in 2003.

In my eyes he's not the prospect that Johnson and Henson are, but still a great guy to have in our minor league system.

[SkooterPhil#10]

I don't know if we should push him. If we put him in next year, it will count as Major League service time and he will move closer to free agency. Let him mature in AAA and when he makes it look like tee ball, bring em up.

[Elfdood]

I'm not very excited at all about Juan Rivera yet. His walk rate is way too low. Once he picks it up - it can be done, Almonte and Henson have improved theirs significantly from last season - I'll start thinking of him as a player who can help us.

Remember, Nick Johnson hit .340 in AA, and he did while getting more walks every two weeks than Rivera had in the whole first half. And he's only hitting .250 this year. The plus for Johnson is that even with that average, he's getting on base almost 40% of the time... with that kind of BA, Rivera would struggle to have a .300 OBP. I think promoting him might have sent the wrong message, because he still has a lot to work on. I hope he realizes this, and works on his discipline the same way that Almonte and Henson have.

[CaptainCargo]

Originally posted by Nome
First, we need to resist all temptations to use him in a trade.
Second let's let him develop at his pace.
He could be a good one if he works at it.

Ditto.


Casey