06-09-2009, 08:38 AM
<!--quoteo(post=42938:date=Jun 8 2009, 01:31 PM:name=rok)-->QUOTE (rok @ Jun 8 2009, 01:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=42932:date=Jun 8 2009, 01:03 PM:name=Fella)--><div class='quotetop'>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.
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But couldn't you make this argument for any batter. Put "insert player's name" at the 1-hole, and they'll see better pitches. But other teams don't just put their best hitter up top because they think that's his best chance to see a fastball. That's pretty dumb logic if you ask me.
If you look at his career stats batting 5th, it's really not that bad. Sure his AVG/OBP takes a little dip, but him hitting .270 as the 5 hitter wouldn't bother me. Not to mention, his 162 game RBI avg is 97 batting leadoff, and 117 batting 5th. I'll take those 20 extra RBI's we could get.
Think about it, back in 2003 we scored first it seemed in every playoff game. We were able to do that because a real leadoff hitter--Kenny Lofton--was making it happen. There is no way in a playoff situation that Soriano goes up there looking to get on and move across the bases. Considering he's 3-28 for us leading off in the Playoffs, I'll take my chances with someone else up top.
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.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
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.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
But couldn't you make this argument for any batter. Put "insert player's name" at the 1-hole, and they'll see better pitches. But other teams don't just put their best hitter up top because they think that's his best chance to see a fastball. That's pretty dumb logic if you ask me.
If you look at his career stats batting 5th, it's really not that bad. Sure his AVG/OBP takes a little dip, but him hitting .270 as the 5 hitter wouldn't bother me. Not to mention, his 162 game RBI avg is 97 batting leadoff, and 117 batting 5th. I'll take those 20 extra RBI's we could get.
Think about it, back in 2003 we scored first it seemed in every playoff game. We were able to do that because a real leadoff hitter--Kenny Lofton--was making it happen. There is no way in a playoff situation that Soriano goes up there looking to get on and move across the bases. Considering he's 3-28 for us leading off in the Playoffs, I'll take my chances with someone else up top.
"Last year, I was sort of a kid and I was a little scared, I ain't scared any more."
Quote:- Hank Aaron