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BP Annual Player Comments

Year		Comment
2007		After a three-year stint in Boston that included a batting title and a World Series ring, Mueller arrived in L.A. via the Colletti Connection, one former Giant reuniting with another over a two-year, $9.5 million deal. Alas, one month into his Dodger career, Mueller aggravated his arthritic right knee and underwent surgery, his third on that particular joint. After a month of rehab, he conceded that the knee was `bone on bone in three different places,` (cringe) and doctors have told him there`s no known solution. In short, he`s probably cooked--a shame because guys with .373 career OBPs who can field their positions don`t grow on trees--but he`ll grind it out (sorry) so long as the Dodgers are paying.
2005		His "Outlier of the Year" Award secure after that 2003 season, Mueller did a good job fighting regression to the mean and managed to put up numbers better than his previous career averages at age 33. The Red Sox picked up his option for 2005, a move that allows them to shop him as a cheap option for teams in need of help at the hot corner or to keep him as Kevin Youkilis' overstudy for one more year.
2004		The Red Sox had four regulars exceed their 90th-percentile PECOTA projection, but Mueller was the most surprising of all. When he signed it wasn't clear where he would play, and he had just 54 at-bats at the end of April, getting time at both second and third base. He settled in at the hot corner when Hillenbrand was dealt, and just kept hitting. The most likely Red Sock to regress significantly, likely back to the still-fine player the Sox thought they had signed.
2003		Mueller started slowly after spending April on the DL for knee surgery, but he was back to his usual self in the second half, hitting .279/.378/.447 after the break. It’s not clear why the Giants gave up a decent relief prospect (Jeff Verplancke) to get him in September, knowing he wouldn’t be available for the postseason roster. He basically sat on the bench for the month, but it made for a nice prodigal son story. If the troublesome left knee, which also cost him most of 2001, is healthy, Mueller stands to be an above-average third baseman for at least a couple more years. That’s a big if.
2002		While the Cubs’ legacy at third base is much bemoaned, you could interpret their patchwork over the years as occasionally ingenious. Ron Cey, Vance Law, Steve Buechele, and Gary Gaetti all had their moments. The problem isn’t with turnover, it’s with commitments, as the Cubs never cut bait in time. Bill Mueller is a wonderful player, with generally solid defense, on-base skills, and the ability to spray hits all over the park. But it won’t be in the Cubs’ interest to keep him beyond 2002, especially if he gets more expensive.
2001		It was off season for Bill Mueller, as he slipped everywhere except in power. He's a reasonable defensive third baseman and was very much a fan favorite in San Francisco. Mueller couldn't hit from the right side particularly well in 2000, but he should rebound with the Cubs this year; that improvement will be exaggerated by the change in ballpark.
2000		The Giants want a new third baseman, apparently because Mueller doesn't hit for power. He has a career OBP of .383 and a decent glove at third base; combine his performance with Jeff Kent’s and you have a good situation at second and third base. Mueller isn't Vinny Castilla, which bothers Brian Sabean a lot more than it should, especially since Mueller is better.
1999		Still my favorite Giant. A subject of trade rumors, which seems odd, since thirdbasemen like Mueller, who make the plays on defense and get on base regularly but don't have much power, would seem to be underrated rather than overrated, and thus poor candidates for trade bait. Will be a fan favorite wherever he ends up.
1998		My favorite Giant. Bill Mueller rarely does anything stupid. He comes across as a player who accepts who he is and uses what he has. It’s not that he doesn’t strive to improve, but he doesn’t overreach his grasp. He takes walks, hits doubles, makes as many plays as he can in the field and doesn’t screw up. Which is harder than it sounds.
1997		A very nice little ballplayer. Gets on base well, which is something the Giants sorely and desperately need, can fill in competently at second baseman, and is a dynamite third baseman. I don’t think losing Matt Williams was the end of the world; not because of what they got back, but because I really like Bill Mueller. Could develop into Dave Magadan with a little power and good defense. Will draw 100 walks during the 1999 season. Main concern: throwing motion is awkward and looks to me like it could cause elbow problems.

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