Agreed. So much better than Freel. What is he? 6-8 in this series? That's what a leadoff hitter is supposed to do--get on base. Freel has a tough time with the strike zone and is a free swinger--not exactly leadoff material. Of course, Hopper tends to do that too sometimes, but he seems to make contact more often.Originally Posted by KoryMac5
I've said it often and I'll say it again. Using Freel in the outfield and at leadoff hurts this team, but I'm sure most will disagree with me.
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"You only have to bat a thousand in two things; flying and heart transplants. Everything else you can go 4-for-5."
-Beano Cook
Hopper's problem is that he never walks, and never really has in his life. In the long run, his poor abilities to get on base will likely show through. For that reason, I don't see him as much of an option to continue batting lead-off.
Freel has enough patience at the plate where he can get on base enough to be an effective lead-off hitter. It does seem that Freel is more effective when he only has to play 4-5 times a week in different roles, rather than 6-7 times per week. His OBP has taken a hit this season and especially lately for this reason.
Until Hopper learns to walk a bit, Freel will continue getting on base more often unless Hopper can bat .330-.340 consistently, which is a very tough thing to do at the major league level. Hopper's career .345 minor league OBP attests to that. The only year that he has really done better than this is last year in AAA on the strengths of his .347 batting average which seems pretty flukish since it is so far away from his norms.
Still, with the speed he brings, and solid outfield defense, I am beginning not to mind him as much as a 5th outfielder. But when he's not constantly finding all the holes (and believe me he wont all the time), his weaknesses will become pretty apparent.
I won't disagree. I've been singing the same song.
"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals and you know it."
http://dalmady.blogspot.com
All I know is that when the line-up is posted for tonight, someone needs to chime and complain about Hopper leading off and then he can go 3-4 again!I won't disagree. I've been singing the same song.
Why doesn't that work for Castro?
No kidding. I spent a few posts belittling Narron's lineup and the 1-2 spots in the order delivered. Of course, we were all right about Young Body. He shouldn't be hitting cleanup.
I'm still amazed that this lineup won last night.
Worst part about it, Narron's gonna keep it for "future use".
Some people play baseball. Baseball plays Jay Bruce.
He ought not to. They won in spite of that line-up. Look no further than the copious wasted opportunities to blow that game open. And Juan Castro's futility is beyond comic at this point.
I am liking Hopper though, as a back-up. His energy is nice to see.
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