Quote:
Originally Posted by Kc61
Extend the sample size to 2011, with the similar Reds team. OBP against lefties was first in the NL at .349. OBP against righties was 8th in the league at .319, a full thirty points lower.
This is really inarguable.
And by the way, and I don't know how many times to say it, I do not think the Reds need a "big lefty bat." I have consistently said just the opposite.
Get a platoon OBP lefty hitter, doesn't need power, and lefty bench man. That's all they need IMO.
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I know KC. I'm not disagreeing with you really. I've seen and understood your point. I always have. But where you are looking at the splits left vs right, I'm looking at the overall picture.
Overall, the Reds are...
9th in the NL in batting average.
10th in the NL in OBP.
3rd in the NL in SLG.
4th in the NL in OPS.
I completely agree with you that we could and should look for improvement to our BA/OBP skills and players. But the bottom line in baseball is to score runs and to limit the opposition from scoring runs. Right? How do we fare on that front?
8th in the NL in runs scored.
4th in the NL in fewest runs allowed.
And that adds up to a first place club and the 3rd best record in the NL.
As I said, I don't think the situation is a dire as you seem to be making it out to be. But if Walt can manage to get some more left handed hitters without hurting the club...I'm not going to complain. I'm more in your camp than you'd think. I cherish batting average players. I love the Rod Carew's, Wade Boggs', Pete Rose's, Tony Gwynn's of the world more than the mashers. I love players who can handle the bat regardless of power. It's one of the many reasons I love Hanigan as a player. But that might open up a whole new can of worms...so I'll just let this drop for now. :O)
~edit~ And the big lefty bat comment...I mistyped that. I meant big righty bat. Although I don't think that's a big need either.