Thursday, February 26, 2004
MY FANTASY LINEUP
1. Dirty Damon - sees nearly an average of four pitches per plate appearance
2. Space Cadet - without a doubt the best hitter on the club and should be in a position make the biggest impact by maximizing his possible plate appearances
3. Nomah - second best hitter
4. Mo Light - third most productive at the plate
5. Want to be Texan from L.A. - see below
6. Trot the Tank - a better hitter than Millar but need a RHB to eliminate the effectiveness of the LOOGY in the late innings
7. V-Tek - projects as a better hitter than Ferris
8. Ferris B-Mueller
9. Pokey no-Power or Liberty Bell-horn
Over the past three seasons, the Red Sox number two hitters have had roughly an average of 20 more plate appearances than the number three guys. Even though Manny is a far superior hitter over the current consensus number two hitter, Mueller, it would only save the Sox about one out in the twenty PAs. It is not worth giving the talk shows and main stream media hacks additional ammo. If I were making out the lineup card, I would drop everyone down a spot after Damon and place Mueller in the two hole.
Mueller is also being considered for the leadoff spot after his fantastic 2003 season. Many folks point to Mueller 398 OBP in 2003 and his 383 OBP average over the last three season as justification for the leadoff spot. OBP is important, but not the first consideration for a leadoff hitter. It is the number of pitches seen per plate appearance, then OBP, then above average speed and power. As Damon stated in the Globe.
"We beat up on pitchers, and that's my job in the leadoff spot," he said. "I know I could hit for a higher average, but how the rest of the team would adjust, I don't know."
Damon sees more pitches than Mueller which tilts the scale over to the centerfielder. Damon also has an above average OBP, good wheels and doubles power. Mueller would be a good leadoff hitter; he just is not the best option for the Sox.
It is likely that the lineup will be different versus southpaw starters with at least one of the RHB (Burks and Kapler) in for Ortiz and/or Nixon. But do not be concerned, the Sox, at most, should only see 45 AL LHP in the first inning. Plus, a healthy Burks can rake!
1. Dirty Damon - sees nearly an average of four pitches per plate appearance
2. Space Cadet - without a doubt the best hitter on the club and should be in a position make the biggest impact by maximizing his possible plate appearances
3. Nomah - second best hitter
4. Mo Light - third most productive at the plate
5. Want to be Texan from L.A. - see below
6. Trot the Tank - a better hitter than Millar but need a RHB to eliminate the effectiveness of the LOOGY in the late innings
7. V-Tek - projects as a better hitter than Ferris
8. Ferris B-Mueller
9. Pokey no-Power or Liberty Bell-horn
Over the past three seasons, the Red Sox number two hitters have had roughly an average of 20 more plate appearances than the number three guys. Even though Manny is a far superior hitter over the current consensus number two hitter, Mueller, it would only save the Sox about one out in the twenty PAs. It is not worth giving the talk shows and main stream media hacks additional ammo. If I were making out the lineup card, I would drop everyone down a spot after Damon and place Mueller in the two hole.
Mueller is also being considered for the leadoff spot after his fantastic 2003 season. Many folks point to Mueller 398 OBP in 2003 and his 383 OBP average over the last three season as justification for the leadoff spot. OBP is important, but not the first consideration for a leadoff hitter. It is the number of pitches seen per plate appearance, then OBP, then above average speed and power. As Damon stated in the Globe.
"We beat up on pitchers, and that's my job in the leadoff spot," he said. "I know I could hit for a higher average, but how the rest of the team would adjust, I don't know."
Damon sees more pitches than Mueller which tilts the scale over to the centerfielder. Damon also has an above average OBP, good wheels and doubles power. Mueller would be a good leadoff hitter; he just is not the best option for the Sox.
It is likely that the lineup will be different versus southpaw starters with at least one of the RHB (Burks and Kapler) in for Ortiz and/or Nixon. But do not be concerned, the Sox, at most, should only see 45 AL LHP in the first inning. Plus, a healthy Burks can rake!
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Thank you - Red Sox!
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