Introducing what we plan on being a new weekly feature here at The Friendly Blogfines... The "Rant of the Week". Like you, we get quite angry about the Cubs, so it's nice to let our rage out here and there. Feel free to rant away in the comments, even if it's ripping on us, rather than what we're ripping on.
But, I really can't take this shit anymore. I mean, for fucksakes, could the dude have any more of a Sally ass arm? His throws go about 14 feet, and then roll into the infield at a Molina brother pace.
Tonight, Quade brings in Campana for defensive purposes in the ninth inning. I'm immediately thinking, "Quade, are you out of your goddamn mind?" Well, we already know the answer to that, but seriously, Campana has the worst arm I've ever seen from a major league, or even, shit, high school outfielder.
Then on top of making the expected crappy throws(the one he threw home to try to cut down the tying run was his worst throw yet, which is saying something), Campana plays a Pat Burrell single into a double with no outs in the top of the ninth, up one run, because he tries to dive thirty fucking feet instead of just taking a route to hold Burrell to a single. Later in the inning, he gets to a flyball, dives for it(not even sure he had to), and it clanks right off his gigantic outfielder's glove. On and on. This is in one fucking inning where HE'S the defensive replacement.
Look, I love the dude's speed, but unless he's the 25th man on a playoff-contending team and is used strictly for his speed(like a Tom Goodwin type), he shouldn't be in the major leagues right now. He has absolutely zero power(just two extra-base hits in 66 at bats), and he has only a .314 on-base percentage. If you're not going to hit for ANY power, at least get on base. Just four walks in 72 plate appearances? He should be trying to walk as much as possible, since his one terrific asset is his speed. He will turn most walks into doubles or triples.
Anyway, if Campana could show some patience and get on base at a .350+ clip, then yes, he has value and would be a great leadoff man, but he's not that guy yet. A 5'8", 165-pound dude that averages three more strikeouts than walks is not going to cut it at this level.
I know he'll be down in Iowa for sure when Marlon Byrd comes back over the next couple of weeks, but it should be much sooner than that. Get him down there now, and preach patience at the plate to him(which knowing the Cubs, will not happen).
It would also be nice if his arm strength could be improved, but I think "Juan Pierre" is unfortunately the highest level he's capable of reaching in that regard.
