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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,816 comments Add your comment
tmoneylove
December 7th, 2012
7:10 pm
DOB–is Greinke such a different kind of dude that he’d accept a 6 year, 100 Million dollar deal to play in ATL? Of course, we’d have to move Maholm and EOF as a salary dump. No one wants to give up 75 million, but would the free-thinking Greinke consider such an offer from us?
cabravesfan
December 7th, 2012
7:10 pm
Seriously. You only have to hit it once.
old man
December 7th, 2012
7:11 pm
The blog has added something by browser (Chrome) does not like. My posts will not post. I get pissed off. I hit submit a million times. Then they all post.
I apologize to all of you.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 7th, 2012
7:13 pm
there are way too many trackers on this page… 20+. Might be slowing things down for everyone
C-Chat
December 7th, 2012
7:13 pm
so what was old man trying to say?
old man
December 7th, 2012
7:15 pm
C-Chat
I think I was saying, “Go pour another scotch.”
Yep, that was it.
C-Chat
December 7th, 2012
7:15 pm
old man- perhaps it’s time to try a different browser? I use Mozilla Firefox and never have any issues.
old man
December 7th, 2012
7:16 pm
Mozilla Firefox.
That’s a single malt, right?
old man
December 7th, 2012
7:23 pm
I guess I killed the blog. Sorry.
jed
December 7th, 2012
7:36 pm
i actually think juan francisco would be pretty good over the course of a season against right handed pitching. still dont think he could hit lefties worth a damn. main concern i would have with him is on defense. what do yall think? he got so little playing time last year it was hard to tell.
flange1
December 7th, 2012
7:44 pm
For some reason, I have always liked Francisco. I really hope the Braves brass is going to see a guy that has worked his rear off to get in shape and get his swing in order.
He was great for the team last year because he was able to start some games when Chipper was out.
If we get a full time left fielder, Francisco will get very little playing time with most of his at bats coming off the bench.
He did not do well in that roll last year.
I think he has to either play a lot to be effective.
So the Braves need to either play him or trade him.
old man
December 7th, 2012
7:56 pm
Francisco’s defense was about like Chipper’s as I see the metrics. But they really confuse me. Like the 2012 version of Chipper, I think you can say he is average.
I agree that even if he plays, it is as a platoon against righties.
jed
December 7th, 2012
7:57 pm
nolie–you got an opinion on juan francisco’s defense? thanks
jed
December 7th, 2012
7:59 pm
yeah seems to me at least that Juan is pretty average and will probably make a lot of errors. i’d certainly prefer prado defensively. still…i could be wrong, given juan’s limited playing time
Zing
December 7th, 2012
8:03 pm
Okay, I’ve been wanting to do this all day but didn’t have time to. So, let’s think about that platoon concept: Juan Francisco at 3B and Prado in LF against righties, Prado at 3B and Reed Johnson in LF against righties. Works out to:
Righties:
Prado: .345 .415 .760
Francisco: .291 / .477 / .768
Lefties:
Prado: .387 .479 .864
Reed: .334 / .421 / .765
The big Q was (at least for me) was, would Choo, who bats lefty, be an improvement over the platoon approach?
Choo:
Righties: .403 / .523 / .926
Lefties: .318 / .286 / .605
Kind of a wash. A significant improvement against righties, but miserable against lefties. Choo’s .926 compares very favorably against Francisco’s .768; but Reed’s .765 is far superior to Choo’s putrid .605. You’ve got to figure that if you gave Juan more regular playing time (and threw out his pinchhitting, which he was horrible at), the difference between the two versus righties would diminish. And the fact that Choo is a lefty just means more near-automatic losses against good lefty starters. Finally… would losing Delgado/Terheran or whatever be worth 1 year of this?
NOW do you see why I’m not so much on the Choo bandwagon?
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 7th, 2012
8:06 pm
My opinion… Juan has a plus arm, but poor range at 3B… slightly worse than Chipper was last year imo, and Chipper wasnt really all that good. He’s going to make quite a few errors, but hopefully he can clean it up. Hard position to play, gotta have quick instincts…
anyon that has watched him play this winter, is he truly slimmed down? Cuz some peeps are telling me he still looks about the same. Not that it matters much….
Playoffs!!!
December 7th, 2012
8:06 pm
I like the idea of a Francisco/Pastornicky platoon at third base. I like it a lot better than a Constanza/R Johnson platoon in left. I don’t want Prado bouncing around from third to left. Leave him at one position.
The above scenerios are only if we don’t get an everyday leftfielder
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 7th, 2012
8:12 pm
I doubt Pastornicky has the arm for 3B… already was struggling at SS.
Rick C
December 7th, 2012
8:14 pm
Some blurry video of Francisco from a few days ago. Looks about the same.
http://youtu.be/-ECbVpZmsIQ?t=1m14s
Zing
December 7th, 2012
8:15 pm
I agree, flange1 – you’ve got to play Juan or trade him away. And no doubt the Braves trading partners would know this if/when the Braves pick up a LF. Might not get anything for him, actually.
Zing
December 7th, 2012
8:17 pm
You know, if the Braves don’t end up trading for a LF, I would be happy to see them trade Teheran for a similarly highly regarded position player prospect straight-up if possible. Corner OFer type.
Drew
December 7th, 2012
9:03 pm
Over the last 3 years, the world series champs were all about pitching and defense. Why is everyone worried about LF when we should be worried about if we have any #1 caliber starting pitching.
Heath
December 7th, 2012
9:05 pm
Zing:
Also not in favor on Choo…on this team. The Braves don’t need another guy who will likely struggle against lefties.
Powderfinger
December 7th, 2012
9:31 pm
Maybe I’m an idiot, but why are we wasting cyberspace trying to devise ways for Greinke to become a Brave? It ain’t happenin’. Of all of the positions to worry about, starting pitching is last on the list. It’s like the Angels fixating on signing a first baseman…
Powderfinger
December 7th, 2012
9:35 pm
Upon further review, I am an idiot. But we still don’t need to worry about signing another starting pitcher…
nolie
December 7th, 2012
9:39 pm
Choo gets on base at a 340 clip against lefties, that is better than a lot of righties. if he was leading off he would be an awesome addition with a total OBP between 380 and 400. 20 some steals and 15-20 homers too. lotsa scoring early in the lineup
nolie
December 7th, 2012
9:40 pm
Sign Spahn!!!
Powderfinger
December 7th, 2012
9:42 pm
nolie—Before I left town last Sunday, you were MIA. Everything OK? Missed your input…
JasonInFL
December 7th, 2012
9:43 pm
Yup, I Choo would be a good addition.
Venice Jim
December 7th, 2012
9:47 pm
nolie was rescued from inadvertent banishment…
nolie
December 7th, 2012
9:47 pm
yes Powder, thank you for asking. Out IP was banned because the teen over at Jake’s got quarrelsome.
DOB fixed it a few days ago thankfully.
nolie
December 7th, 2012
9:48 pm
with the help of VJ and some other EMail friends.
I taped the kid up and stuffed him in a closet for a week…..
Powderfinger
December 7th, 2012
9:50 pm
Never had a problem before with inadvertent banishment. Inadvertent punishment, however, is a different story. Well, maybe is wasn’t so inadvertent after all…
Powderfinger
December 7th, 2012
9:51 pm
*it*…
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 7th, 2012
9:54 pm
Choo gets on base against lefties at a .340 clip… that’s better than what most of our guys did… his OBP is fine there. Slugs .500+ against RHP, something no current Braves player does. May only be for 1 year, but he’s an ideal fit. Could put him 3rd against RHP, leadoff vs. LHP….
Drew: I do think that getting a vet #2 pitcher, something we need now, is important… however, getting a good LF like Choo would be great as well. Unless the Tribe will cover some of his salary, it’s gonna be tight to fit both him and Zack (unless they backload)
nolie
December 7th, 2012
9:55 pm
Never had a problem before with inadvertent banishment
I got thrown out of the state of Ohio once for a year, but it wasn’t inadvertent in that particular case.
Powderfinger
December 7th, 2012
9:59 pm
nolie—Sometimes you gotta do the time if you do the crime. Just glad you’re back to battle the zanies here…
Zing
December 7th, 2012
10:02 pm
Nolie, where do you get that OBP number against lefties for Choo? I looked it up, and it was as I said, .318. Ain’t too good. Actually, he’s terrible against lefties– one big reason I think he’s not a good fit; like the rest of the team (except for Prado), can’t hit lefties.
Zing
December 7th, 2012
10:03 pm
Exactly, Heath.
Zing
December 7th, 2012
10:06 pm
Oh, okay, for career, he’s at .338. (.318 was last year). Still with a career .695 OPS (versus .914 against righties), not too good. Not good enough to trade away anything significant for one year of it.
nolie
December 7th, 2012
10:08 pm
man you gotta be kidding….I’d trade Teheran and Gilmartin both in a heartbeat
JasonInFL
December 7th, 2012
10:11 pm
Noles, would you trade Teheran for Willingham? I would.
Zing
December 7th, 2012
10:13 pm
For Choo, nolie?
Disgusted
December 7th, 2012
10:17 pm
I would trade Teheran for either Willingham or Choo if it could be done.
That would be a big W for the Braves, Teheran is not going to make it.
Zing
December 7th, 2012
10:19 pm
I wouldn’t trade Teheran for Choo. I *would* trade Teheran for a younger guy with more club control, thougth.
Half Empty
December 7th, 2012
10:20 pm
I agree, if Choo had a normal year he would likely be the best leadoff hitter the Braves have had. The only thing he doesn’t do is hit for power against lefthanders, but at leadoff that hardly matters as long as he gets on base.
Powderfinger
December 7th, 2012
10:21 pm
I think I would rather hang on to Teheran than Delgado at this point in time, but I’m clueless as to the reason why…
nolie
December 7th, 2012
10:21 pm
yes both for Choo
and yes I would trade Teheran for Willingham with no question
Disgusted
December 7th, 2012
10:23 pm
I might want to hold on to Gilmartin unless we could get a deal that could really help now.
For Choo — yes. Willingham — yes.
Even as the Braves are now, I feel good going into 2013.
The Braves also have a surplus of relievers that other teams might want. And late inning set up relievers this day in time do bring in a decent return.
You win with bullpens.
Mark my word and I mean it — the Braves are going to win the WS in 2013. Playoff breaks have to go our way sometime.
I hope some one copies and pastes this quote that throws it up to me if I am wrong but I have a GREAT feeling about ‘13. Different than in past yrs — I am realluy optomistic about 2013.
Not joking — I MEAN it. So throw it back up to me I can handle it.
We have alot going 4 us this yr. Health permitting of course.
nolie
December 7th, 2012
10:23 pm
maybe because he was originally rated so much better PF??
NORRIS
December 7th, 2012
10:24 pm
I would trade Simmons in a heart beat for Justin Upton. If that is what they want then lets do it. You got a chance to get one of the best in the game. And what they want in return is a short stop that will never hit for power. Never be a big base stealer. He will be a mid range average hitter and be a good glove at second.
You got a chance to get a guy who will hit 30 homers, steal 30 bases, hit .300 and an On base percentage of near 400.
sounds to me like a no brainer. We got the money so why not? I know there will be those that always want to never take the risk. But the ones that take the risks are the ones that are going to the world series.
old man
December 7th, 2012
10:24 pm
I may be the biggest Francisco booster here. But Choo is ideal for leadoff. If there was some real R/L split problem, bat Prado leadoff against lefties, Choo against righties. Ditto for Gordon.
But Choo or Gordon beats any platoon, significantly. A big part of that is I think Johnson, Gattis, and Francisco all inject defense inferior to either Gordon or Choo. And I’m guessing they are better with OBP, and they both give you a true lead off hitter.
NORRIS
December 7th, 2012
10:24 pm
good glove at short that is…
Not Disgusted
December 7th, 2012
10:24 pm
Just want to see if the name change takes.
Not Disgusted
December 7th, 2012
10:37 pm
Norris — The Braves do not have anyone to replace the shortstop skills of Simmons at the position.
You need a shortsstop to win. He is not a good glove but a great one. As for his offense, I think he can produce what Yunel produced in his good seasons. But Simmons has the glove and a better head for the game.
Future multiple All-Star.
What do you do about shortstop — Pastornicky????? I don;t think so. Pastornicky is a AAAA player at best — should not be in the long term plans of the team.
I’d move him with Teheran for either Choo or Willingham. Even if Choo does walk after a yr, one yr of Choo is better than what Pastornicky will do for a whole career. He stinks bad.
Venice Jim
December 7th, 2012
10:53 pm
There are a number of reports indicating that Andruw Jones has signed to play in Japan next year – no one I consider unimpeachable at this point…
brian
December 7th, 2012
11:01 pm
I like Hunted on Cinemax – good show. Not Boardwalk Empire or 24 but a good show
NORRIS
December 7th, 2012
11:02 pm
I didnt see a great short stop this past year. I saw a good short stop. I saw a lot of poor decisions. Granted he was a rookie.
Janish played as good a short stop while simmons was out if not better.
David O'Brien
December 7th, 2012
11:09 pm
I would trade Simmons in a heart beat for Justin Upton. If that is what they want then lets do it. You got a chance to get one of the best in the game. — NORRIS
One of the best in the game? In five full seasons in the majors, Justin Upton has had two seasons with more than 17 homers, one season with as many as 30 doubles, never driven in as many as 90 runs, never had as many as 65 walks, never won a Silver Slugger or Gold Glove award, and finished in the top 20 in MVP balloting once (he was not among the 35 players who received votes this season).
I like Justin Upton a lot, think he’s got a ton of talent. But by what measure is he “one of the best in the game”?
cabravesfan
December 7th, 2012
11:10 pm
Janish’s line with the Braves: .186/.269/.234 (55 games, 186 PA)
Simmons line with the Braves: .289/.335/.416 (49 games, 166 PA)
Simmons was a +45 in Runs above average defensively
Janish was +29…
Simmons was +54 in Defensive Runs Saved
Janish was +11
I like Janish and think he is a great back up. But to say he is as good as Simba is just…not accurate
richbrave
December 7th, 2012
11:13 pm
SOUTH OF THE BORDER
DOMINICA
EASTERN BULLS
LHRP JOSE LUGO [1.67 ERA] 0.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R/ER.
LUGO’s magical winter comes to an end.
PUERTO RICO
PH/DH CHRIS GARCIA [.207 BA] 1-2, 1 R.
Old buddy JAVY VASQUEZ gets the start, and takes the loss tonight.
MANATI ATTENDANTS
1B RUBEN GOTAY [.182 BA] 0-2, 2 BB, 1 SO.
VENEZUELA
CARACAS LIONS
RF JOSH KROEGER [.296 BA] 1-1, 1 RBI [12].
richbrave
December 7th, 2012
11:15 pm
NORRIS:
You are a shill for which ML team? Can’t be the BRAVES.
The A Bomb
December 7th, 2012
11:19 pm
Still say you sign a cleaned-up Marlon Byrd (someone like that) to play LF on the cheap. Wait til someone has an injury on the pitching staff and then all of a sudden, Wren’s overevaluated prospects can be dealt for max value.
At this point, why even bother in this horrible market?
richbrave
December 7th, 2012
11:19 pm
I’d want to wait on moving LHSP GILMARTIN until LHSP WOOD proves out. LHSP MAHOLM is merely a temp. in my estimation.
BravePack(FreeFan)
December 7th, 2012
11:27 pm
C’mon DOB answer the hard questions. Like if you were forced to guess based on what you may/may not have heard, who will be the Braves LF’er next season? And did you hear anything about if Gordon from the Royals was even in play for the Braves to trade for?
JasonInFL
December 7th, 2012
11:43 pm
Things will move once Greinke signs
JasonInFL
December 7th, 2012
11:45 pm
What would everyone be ok with paying Swish?
brian
December 7th, 2012
11:47 pm
no way I trade Simmons for Upton and I would love to have Justin Upton on the Braves. Same reason that the Rangers do not want to give up Elvis or Profar for Upton either. Young SS like Simmons or Andrus or Profar don’t grow on trees and are much harder to find than OF.
Though, as hard as it has been for Wren to find a LF who bats righty, he should really go for Upton or Willingham. Now he can even be satisfied with a LF who bats lefty as long as they are a leadoff hitter.
JasonInFL
December 7th, 2012
11:47 pm
Wonder if the Bravos ever made an actual offer for Span
JasonInFL
December 7th, 2012
11:51 pm
Surprised FW hasn’t been in any of the Multi-team trades involving Justin. Last offseason, teams were drooling at trying to get Teheran…stock is way down.
Luman Harris
December 7th, 2012
11:51 pm
NIce to see the name change, Not Disgusted.
I was having a hard time figuring out what you were disgusted about.
Luman Harris
December 7th, 2012
11:55 pm
I’d give Swish 36 for 3 years … think that would be enough?
JasonInFL
December 8th, 2012
12:22 am
Nah, I think I read he is looking for 4/60!
Luman Harris
December 8th, 2012
12:24 am
Eh, someone else can have him, then
Luman Harris
December 8th, 2012
12:31 am
Where’s Ward when i need him? Hey, everybody, be positive!
Luman Harris
December 8th, 2012
12:33 am
Crawl back in your hole, Tips
JC Brave
December 8th, 2012
12:34 am
I wonder if Frank Wren tried to get CLE involved in AZ’s Upton trade talks. Some Braves’ prospects to CLE, Asdrubal to AZ and Upton to ATL or something like that…
Luman Harris
December 8th, 2012
12:35 am
Sounds like half the teams in baseball tried to get cleveland involved in a trade for upton …. i’m sure FW was in the mix, too
JC Brave
December 8th, 2012
12:40 am
it will be Bonafacio after Toronto sobers up
If the Braves trade any actual talent for Emilio Bonifacio, even if it’s C grade talent, that would be a very heartbreaking-and-dumpster-diving move…
uga-brave
December 8th, 2012
1:03 am
flange and BAS i am sorry for last night.
ray k
December 8th, 2012
1:21 am
Trading Simmons and watching him blossom into one of the 3 best SS in the NL over the next 5 years… no thanks. Upton is NOT worth it.
Ward
December 8th, 2012
2:30 am
Hello everyone! Wren, will get us our LF. He has plenty of time. He has 2 months. My list.
1. Fowler, trade
2. Choo, trade
3. Cody Ross, sign
4.Ichiro, sign, any one I would be happy in LF
We sigin one, or trade for one, and when Gattis is ready, put him in LF.
Ward
December 8th, 2012
2:31 am
We keep our SS Amhed, and Simmons. Too much value to trade them.
Ward
December 8th, 2012
2:33 am
Ellsbury, scares me with his injuries……big “?” yet!!!!!
Ward
December 8th, 2012
2:35 am
I like Bonafacio for Super Utlity
1. Reed Johnson
2. Laird
3. Paul Yanish
4.Francisco, or Mejia
5. Bonafacio Super Utility Man. I like it…..
Ward
December 8th, 2012
2:54 am
The way Francisco is working, and improving hard this winter, I would give him a chance at 3rd if it came down to the last option? I like what I’m hearing from Francisco.
Ward
December 8th, 2012
3:59 am
All, be excellent to one another, and I’ll talk tomorrow, and peace my friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
nolie
December 8th, 2012
4:02 am
Justin is a good player, but I think the blog overrates him a good bit myself
Couch Tater
December 8th, 2012
5:22 am
Black box in the car, the barn door is already opened and not worried about privacy. Kinky…
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_BLACK_BOXES_CARS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-12-07-14-33-10
old man
December 8th, 2012
6:30 am
Yes, nolie, agree about Justin. The more I look at him, the less helpful he looks.
This blog is pretty educational for me. My views on players change over time, thanks to comments and facts brought up by others. At one point, even before signing BJ I thought Justin Upton was the ideal acquisition.
Now, I like Choo for a rental, Gordon as a longer term solution. I have concluded (at least right now) that either of those would be preferable to anyone except Stanton. If we got either, I would say we are a much improved club over opening day 2012, and even over the end of season 2012.
VaBravesFan
December 8th, 2012
7:32 am
With Justin Upton were talking about a guy who made it to the big leagues at 19 years old. He’s a special talent that is still figuring it out, like Jason Heyward. Upton has been a everyday player for roughly 4 seasons and has had his ups and downs and seems to have started a great/ok/great/ok trend from year to year. From his best years just falling short of 900 OPS and his down years around 790 OPS. Also the guy already has 108 career homeruns. Defensively he’s been rated near the top of the list for RFer’s as well. He’s a 5 tool talent that has maintained his OBP production even during is off years. Hitting for power seems to be his randomness from year to year.
Over the past 4 years he’s averaged…
145 Games 286/362/485/846 OPS+ 122 30 Doubles, 23 Homers, 78 RBIs, 19 Steals.
I’m willing to bet he improves those numbers quite a bit in the coming years, definitely if he is able to be in a better lineup around better hitters. Whoever lands him has 3 years of control during the ages of 25 to 28 for only 39 million, which is basically what Shane Victorino just got in free agency and most view him as a 4th OFer….
TommyP
December 8th, 2012
7:45 am
From the guy who brought you, “DeJesus in ‘13″ comes another idea. OK, a little too dramatic but it’s early and nobody is on.
Alejandro De Aza: The 28 year old is apparently on the block right now and has prospered since moving to the ChiSox. I remember him with the Marlins and he was all field, no hit (good speed,too).
In 2011, as a part time player with 171 PA, he hit .329, .400 OBP, .520 SLG, .920 OPS. He threw in 12 steals for good measure.
In 2012, he got a chance to play regularly. In 585 PA, he hit .281, .349 OBP, .410 SLG, .760 OPS. That OBP is very solid and I love the pop he also brings to the leadoff spot with 29 doubles, 6 triples and 9 home runs. Very solid year for a first time as a regular. (throw in 26 steals)
If the Braves choose to platoon him with Reed, his numbers vs. RH were:
.291, .354 OBP, .425 SLG, .779 OPS, 20 steals.
He’s 1st year arb-eligible which makes this guy a great get for our needs.
Defensively, he played CF predominantly but also played some LF. I would imagine the only downside is a weak arm. (not sure but never an assist guy)
He’s cheap in salary.
He should be cheap to acquire in terms of a trade.
He offers positional flexibility but can definitely play LF.
He’s fast.
He gets on base. (weird stat: his OBP was .400 in 9th inning and .583 in extra innings…limited sample)
He hits leadoff.
What’s not to like here?
On another note regarding the Braves interest in Dee Gordon, did anyone stop to think that the Braves might be trying to acquire him to include in a package for J. Upton? Just a thought….
VaBravesFan
December 8th, 2012
7:49 am
I still find it hard to believe the Braves would want Dee Gordon for LF….. He cannot hit at all, just a pure speedster who plays a good SS, but with the bat makes me think of Joey Gathwright and Luis Durango…
TommyP
December 8th, 2012
7:54 am
VA: Which is why I think they’d ship him out.
VaBravesFan
December 8th, 2012
7:56 am
Pretty interesting about Michael Bourn possibly signing a 1 year deal and going to free agency again next season. ESPN list the Yankees as a real possibility for this situation with Granderson or Gardner being even more available for pitching. I could definitely see the Braves being interested in Gardner for a leadoff man, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind Curtis either if the Yanks throw cash in the deal.
kenhotlanta
December 8th, 2012
8:15 am
From John Dewan and ACTA Sports:
The Bill James Handbook 2013 has 34 pages of leaderboards, many of which cannot be found anywhere else. Here are few of them.
Highest RBI%
(minimum 502 PA)
Josh Hamilton Tex 47.69
Edwin Encarnacion Tor 47.13
Garrett Jones Pit 44.08
Miguel Cabrera Det 43.88
Ryan Braun Mil 43.73
Mike Trout LAA 43.07
Allen Craig StL 42.46
Andrew McCutchen Pit 42.33
Yoenis Cespedes Oak 41.88
Prince Fielder Det 41.35
RBI Percentage describes the rate at which a hitter drives in runs when he bats with men on base.
While Miguel Cabrera outpaced Mike Trout by 56 RBI, the two were nearly identical in their percentage of RBI per opportunity at 43.88 percent and 43.07 percent, respectively.
Garrett Jones and Andrew McCutchen combined for 182 of the Pirates’ 620 RBI, nearly 30 percent of the team’s total production.
Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder combined for 247 of the Tigers’ 698 RBI, which is more than 35 percent.
Lead Changing RBI
Miguel Cabrera Det 46
Aramis Ramirez Mil 41
Carlos Beltran StL 38
Chase Headley SD 38
Buster Posey SF 38
David Wright NYM 37
Adrian Beltre Tex 36
Adam Jones Bal 36
Josh Willingham Min 36
Garrett Jones Pit 36
Cabrera did not lead our RBI Percentage list, but he was well clear of the field with 46 lead changing RBI.
Adam Jones and Garrett Jones were the only two players in the top-10 with fewer than 90 total RBI.
Grounded Into Double Plays
Miguel Cabrera Det 28
Howie Kendrick LAA 26
Michael Young Tex 26
Derek Jeter NYY 24
Joe Mauer Min 23
Robinson Cano NYY 22
Yunel Escobar Tor 21
J.J. Hardy Bal 21
Carlos Santana Cle 21
Ryan Zimmerman Was 20
With so many opportunities to drive in runs, it is not a huge surprise that Miguel Cabrera also led baseball with 28 GIDPs.
The top-nine hitters are all from the American League.
Pitches Per Plate Appearance
(minimum 502 PA)
A.J. Ellis LAD 4.44
Adam Dunn CWS 4.43
Kevin Youkilis Bos-CWS 4.36
Joe Mauer Min 4.32
Carlos Santana Cle 4.27
Curtis Granderson NYY 4.27
Mark Reynolds Bal 4.27
Nick Swisher NYY 4.26
Buster Posey SF 4.26
Jason Kubel Ari 4.25
Four of the 10 leaders are catchers.
Highest First Pitch Swing %
(minimum 502 PA)
Josh Hamilton Tex 47.0
Ian Desmond Was 44.8
Freddie Freeman Atl 44.2
B.J. Upton TB 43.5
Yadier Molina StL 42.4
Delmon Young Det 41.9
Pedro Alvarez Pit 39.4
Chris Davis Bal 39.3
Danny Espinosa Was 39.1
Yonder Alonso SD 38.3
Bryce Harper Was 38.1
Josh Hamilton’s extreme highs and extreme lows in 2012 may have something to do with his hyper-aggressiveness on the first pitch of each at-bat. From the beginning of the season through May, Hamilton hit .368 with 21 home runs. In June and July, he hit .202 with just eight home runs.
The Nationals have three players—Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa, and Bryce Harper—in the top-11. Patience at the plate is clearly not a priority for them.
Lowest First Swing %
(minimum 502 PA)
Martin Prado Atl 6.9
Kevin Youkilis Bos-CWS 7.3
Joe Mauer Min 7.7
Mike Trout LAA 7.7
J.J. Hardy Bal 8.1
Dustin Pedroia Bos 8.1
Ben Revere Min 8.8
A.J. Ellis LAD 9.5
Jamey Carroll Min 10.9
Mark Teixeira NYY 13.0
Surprisingly, despite his low first-pitch swing percentage, J.J. Hardy only had a .282 on-base percentage in 2012. Every other player on this list had an on-base percentage at least 50 points higher (Teixeira second lowest at .332), each one of them significantly above MLB’s overall on-base percentage of .319.
flange1
December 8th, 2012
8:27 am
uga,
sorry for what? What you said did not bother me in the slightest!
I would go for a match anytime!
Let’s get BAS and Couch Tater in ATL and show them some golf courses!
old man
December 8th, 2012
8:39 am
I mentioned my thinking earlier on this very blog that it almost seemed like Prado went to the plate with the idea that he was not going to swing at the first, regardless, no exceptions. Lo and behold, there his is, leading the league.
And, as I observed in the same post, Francisco’s splits indicate he might very well benefit from that strategy too.
Jeff R
December 8th, 2012
8:45 am
Maybe I’m an idiot, but why are we wasting cyberspace trying to devise ways for Greinke to become a Brave? It ain’t happenin’. Of all of the positions to worry about, starting pitching is last on the list. It’s like the Angels fixating on signing a first baseman…
It’s called a definition of insanity….
Sylvester Bill
December 8th, 2012
8:45 am
I’ve watched thousands of games in my 68 years and think I know a ballplayer when I see one.Could one of you explain the terms “UZR” and “-17 OPS” and why I should be concerned about those stats when evaluating players or just casually watching a game?