I think the key difference between these two guys is that Murphy is regarded as a decent hitter and should come out of it.

Pie's issues point to why the Cubs gave up on him--no plate discipline and more holes in his swing than a pound of swiss.

Pie is the OF version of Daniel Cabrera.

I don't know why I'm commenting because I have no idea why this guy is still with the team. No hit-No field-No use keeping him around. Three spots at the bottom are outs. Team can't afford this guy. How long do you think we'll have to suffer with this guy?

Nice reverse jinx on David (I'm not Dale) Murphy. in other news -- ADAM JONES IS THE MAN! I don't care if Bedard wins a cy this year -- Jones is so much more fun to watch.

I think everybody realizes by now that Pie can't hit (for average OR power), field, or throw.

But I thought at least he could run fast. Then, the other night, he got on base somehow and then he took off for second on what might have been a failed hit-and-run. Well, he was OUT by 5 feet!!

So Pie could be a legitimate zero-tool guy....

Murphy can play LF, Pie hasn't convienced anyone of that yet.

Does the Orioles organization have any idea how much it galls us fans that they continue to waste a lineup spot on Pie? Five tool player my butt! I understand we have to use a spot for Izturis (hope his fielding gets a heck-of-a-lot better) and Zaun (same for his hitting), but c'mon Andy & Dave, get real. Alternate Montanez and Scott out there, with the other guy at DH, and when Mora comes back, get Wiggington into the mix. Pie being in the lineup lessens our chances of winning every time he's out there.

Pete --

Speaking of people who can't hit a lick -- is there any chance when Wieters comes up that the O's will dump Zaun and keep Moeller?? I always assumed they would keep Zaun, but he has been flatout awful offensively. Hitting what, .115?? Moeller is a veteran as well and could mentor Wieters, and he wouldn't necessarily be the free out that Zaun is every time he steps to the plate.

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Pete's reply: I might agree with you if it was just about hitting stats. I think Zaun has had a very positive effect on some of the pitchers and on the team in general with the way he plays defensively. I'm still having nightmares of Ramon Hernandez walking away from the plate to catch balls while the tying run slides home.

People tend to forget that Pie was a top prospect for a reason. He's only 24, but had really strong minor league seasons as recently as 2006, and 2007. In 2007 before being called up Pie was batting .362 51R 9HR 43RBI 9 SB through 52 games at AAA Iowa. He finished most seasons in the high .280s, so the complete and total lack of hitting in the MLB is a mystery, and makes it all the more furstrating, considering he has great potential. Send him down to AAA for a few weeks/months, see if he can get anything working.

People tend to forget that Pie was a top prospect for a reason. He's only 24, but had really strong minor league seasons as recently as 2006, and 2007. In 2007 before being called up Pie was batting .362 51R 9HR 43RBI 9 SB through 52 games at AAA Iowa. He finished most seasons in the high .280s, so the complete and total lack of hitting in the MLB is a mystery, and makes it all the more frustrating, considering he has great potential. Send him down to AAA for a few weeks/months, see if he can get anything working.

Wow- another bunch of know it alls here I see. How about some patience with Pie guys. He actually HAS shown improvement at the plate. He is taking more pitches and it learning to work the count. He is also learning to play left field too. The guy is pressing right now and it's obvious. Let's see him given a true chance before making absolute judgements on him. I guess no one is supposed to struggle in a new setting with a new team ever huh?

As far as that play where he was out by "5 feet" (quite an exaggeration) - he had taken off for 2nd like FIVE times prior and was probably gasses- and maybe even not running full speed because he was waiting to see what happened with izturis at the plate- as it was a hit and run. Izturis NEVER strike sout- so that was just a fluke situation.

Nothing better than fluky and random plays giving ignorance a path to try and make a statement though...

oh,. and Canice- since when was Pie NOT considered a decent hitter??? The guy has torn up pitchers all thru the minors- but just hasnt had an extended look in the bigs yet...

BUt I'm sure you know so much about Murphey to make that assumption right? Gimme a break

Whether or not Pie hits is irrelevant. He's supposed to be an outfielder. He's not. The problem supposedly is that "he's a center fielder learning a new position". Baloney. Anybody who's played even mid-level sandlot ball knows the transition of a decent ballplayer from center to either of the corners shouldn't take more than a couple of days at most. I think the last guy had it right - he appears to be a "zero tool ballplayer". By the way, is there any truth to the rumor that they're changeing his number to 3.14?

Also - how many times do you have to "validate" me? I've been writing to you since this blog began.

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Pete's reply: I don't know what you mean by "validate." Is there some pop-up that comes up that didn't come up before when you send something. This is how it works on my end. I have to post all the comments. They don't post automatically and never have, but I don't censor them (unless there is something truly profane or libelous). It's just matter of when I get to them. I post everything. I do occasionally correct spelling errors (except my own, of course) but pretty much let everyone have their say..