06-08-2009, 02:31 PM
<!--quoteo(post=42932:date=Jun 8 2009, 01:03 PM:name=Fella)-->QUOTE (Fella @ Jun 8 2009, 01:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=42931:date=Jun 8 2009, 12:02 PM:name=Butcher)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Butcher @ Jun 8 2009, 12:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Why Soriano ever sees a low fastball is beyond me. It's literally the only pitch he can hit. Anyone who throws him a pitch other than a slider away is a moron.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yep, and that's always been the main argument for those of us who want him to stay leadoff. Pitchers start the game off with fastballs, that's just the way it is. His numbers are significantly better his first at bat of the game than the rest of the time.
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Bingo. The facts are the facts. I know it doesn't seem like much, but if Soriano leads off an inning 1-2 times a game, that's 25-50% better first pitches for him to hit. Pitchers are dumb for not changing their approach to him as opposed to other hitters in the #1 hole, but you can't ignore the results.
Yep, and that's always been the main argument for those of us who want him to stay leadoff. Pitchers start the game off with fastballs, that's just the way it is. His numbers are significantly better his first at bat of the game than the rest of the time.
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Bingo. The facts are the facts. I know it doesn't seem like much, but if Soriano leads off an inning 1-2 times a game, that's 25-50% better first pitches for him to hit. Pitchers are dumb for not changing their approach to him as opposed to other hitters in the #1 hole, but you can't ignore the results.