06-08-2009, 01:49 PM
<!--quoteo(post=42901:date=Jun 8 2009, 10:52 AM:name=rok)-->QUOTE (rok @ Jun 8 2009, 10:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=42900:date=Jun 8 2009, 10:49 AM:name=BackyardLegend)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BackyardLegend @ Jun 8 2009, 10:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=42898:date=Jun 8 2009, 10:40 AM:name=rok)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rok @ Jun 8 2009, 10:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I'm not so sure about that. Alf is no OBP machine, but he's averaged around .330-.340 since becoming a Cub. That isn't great, I understand that, but Patterson only came close to that the entire time he was here maybe one season, and never afterward.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I know that's harsh. But I don't see his value leading off--just like I never saw Pattersons.
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I agree he doesn't provide much value in that role aside from the occasional leadoff HR. He still hits for average though and provides around a league average OBP. If it weren't for the fact that he feels most comfortable leading off and sees more fastballs a couple of ABs each game, I would agree with you. Eventually he needs to be moved down. I'm just not sure if it's time yet, at least not until someone else steps up as the obvious replacement.
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I don't agree with the fact that he sees better pitches in a leadoff spot. The book is out on him and has been for years, and pitchers know he's not going to start the game off with a walk. So they can just throw a bunch of crap out there and see what happens. Chances are he's swinging, and if he hits a home run, oh well. At least then you know he's due for a K sometime in the later innings.
You're right though, if you move him down there's no one to bring up. But it's not like he's giving us anything up there. Bump him down now and see if he can work through his struggles with hopefully some people on base.
I know that's harsh. But I don't see his value leading off--just like I never saw Pattersons.
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I agree he doesn't provide much value in that role aside from the occasional leadoff HR. He still hits for average though and provides around a league average OBP. If it weren't for the fact that he feels most comfortable leading off and sees more fastballs a couple of ABs each game, I would agree with you. Eventually he needs to be moved down. I'm just not sure if it's time yet, at least not until someone else steps up as the obvious replacement.
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I don't agree with the fact that he sees better pitches in a leadoff spot. The book is out on him and has been for years, and pitchers know he's not going to start the game off with a walk. So they can just throw a bunch of crap out there and see what happens. Chances are he's swinging, and if he hits a home run, oh well. At least then you know he's due for a K sometime in the later innings.
You're right though, if you move him down there's no one to bring up. But it's not like he's giving us anything up there. Bump him down now and see if he can work through his struggles with hopefully some people on base.
"Last year, I was sort of a kid and I was a little scared, I ain't scared any more."
Quote:- Hank Aaron