UCB Debate: Brett Wallace should be called up if Glaus is out for the year

April 30, 2009 | Clark | Comments 0

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The United Cardinal Bloggers are having an intersquad match up today and I’m going to offer my position as to why Brett Wallace should be called up (considered anyway) if Troy Glaus is out for the year.  Allen at The Redbird Blog will be countering and I encourage everyone to go check out his post.

Here we go.  Ok, so I’m not going to touch the issue of Troy having shoulder problems LAST year and finally being diagnosed right before spring training of THIS year.  Wait for it – - – - – What the hell?

Anyway, Glaus played great defense and could mash, so how do you replace that kind of stick in the order?  Chris Duncan anyone?   Anyway, a healthy Duncan, a good showing by Raz and the best offense in the majors have quited the need to address the offense and the production from third base.  The combination of Thurston and Barden has been more than impressive holding the spot down for now.  It was disappointing that Freese couldn’t stick, but not shocking and I’m sure we’ll see him again.

So why call up Wallace and mess with a good thing?  Not to mention you start his clock and if he’s the hitter we all think, sweat that big contract that will eventually come his way.  I’m glad you asked – and even if you didn’t – it was a rhetorical question.

While Barden and Thurston are playing great, you risk over exposing these guys.  Bo Hart started hot once…  Tony is a master at not overexposing guys and he’s worked magic here.  Could either hold down a position everyday?  Second maybe, but not third, you simply have to have more pop here.  Wallace has pop.

Starting his clock wouldn’t be ideal, but the current trend in MLB is to lock up really good young players with a mutually beneficial contract – see Wainwright.  It’s not that big a deal unless demands just get crazy.

Worried about his defense?  Who better to work with him at the MAJOR league level than the secret weapon?

Glaus is a free agent next year and everything I’ve read notes Wallace as his aire apparent.  Let him get a taste now, so we know whether or not he’s ready.  Anyone wish Motte got more than 10 innings last year now?

Wallace can just flat hit -  eight homers, 36 RBI, and a .337 batting average in 54 games in the minors – including a quick promotion to AA.  We’re not talking rookie ball here folks.  And this year?  So far in 18 games he’s hitting .286 with four homers, 11 RBI and a .438 OBP!

My final point, one which Allen can not hope to counter, look at what happen to Albert Pujols when they let him out of the cage…sometimes guys just belong.

Clark

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