Originally Posted By KevinI cannot stand Ward, and I believe he has no business being on the playoff roster. The guy can’t field, can’t run, and can’t hit. He has had literally one (1) hit all year that mattered. Yes, Hufflepuffer has likely had zero (0) hits that have mattered for us, but he can play D better than Ward, he can run better than Ward, and he has more power than Ward. Ward is worthless, and needs to stay off of the playoff roster.

Hoffpauir wasn’t a PH in the minors. Ward is a prime PH and you really need to look at his career numbers as a pinch hitter. One of the reasons the cubs didn’t fair well in inter-league this year was due to Ward’s DL stint.

The cubs strugled at the beginning of the 2nd half & remember the cubs were a .400 or worse road team and had never won (0-12 or something close) a Florida game in the Lou Piniella era until Ward hit that PH Home Run!!! Quit slagging Ward off!!

This is what you say about a guy when you can’t say anything worthwhile, kind of like saying Matt Morris is a “crafty veteran” when he’s 4-12 with a 6.8 ERA. Hufflepuffer has played every day in AAA, and put up monstrous stats out of nowhere, kind of like one Geo Soto did last year before being called up and being the only guy to hit for us in October. Ward, on the other hand, hasn’t played all year, and when he has has done nothing but pop out and strike out. Oh, and sorry, over 155ish games has had a whole 2 worthwhile hits.

Ward’s had a down year statistically, sure. But he’s a veteran, a pro, a clubhouse influence, and a hitter. I’ll take my chances with him against right-handed relievers.

Originally Posted By KevinWard is worthless, and needs to stay off of the playoff roster.

You don’t come here much, huh?

I think Pie wins the Hoffpauir/Pie debate – which I too think is the only one on the table regarding position players – because of what he offers in pinch-running and defense. It’s fairly unlikely either would be called on to pinch-hit anyway, and Hoffpauir doesn’t offer the team anything that isn’t already accounted for by Daryle Ward. I like Hoffpauir but I just don’t see a place for him on this squad.

So he’s had some good outings, and some outings that are beyond awesome?