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Originally Posted by AtomicDumpling
What has been proven beyond all doubt mathematically is that the Reds would have a higher team OPS and hence would score more runs if the best hitters got the most plate appearances and the worst hitters got the fewest plate appearances. Unfortunately Dusty does not comprehend such a basic concept and insists on putting the worst hitters at the top of the lineup. How can a manager in the 21st century, the information age, not be aware of one of the most basic concepts in baseball? It is a telling insight into Dusty's limited skillset.
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If it was as simple as you say it is, why don't Matt Kemp and Josh Hamilton bat first? Our best hitters are middle of the order guys that can't afford to waste power at the leadoff and #2 spot. If we had players that fit the table setting mold, they would hit first, but we really just don't have that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AtomicDumpling
Dusty's love of bunting in situations in which even a successfully executed bunt play actually reduces the Reds run expectancy is another instance that exposes Dusty's complete lack of understanding of the modern game of baseball. Things such as these make it very clear to students of the game that Dusty Baker does not know what he is doing. He is harming the team by making tactical mistakes that even a rudimentary comprehension of sabermetrics would avoid.
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If you can look past the Dusty stereotype for a minute, you'd realize that a non-pitcher bunted only 28 times this season for the Reds. This is the 4th lowest in the NL central. This is 1 bunt more than Bruce Bochy. And more telling, this is 4 bunts less than SABR hero Joe Maddon.