The Giants are placing first baseman Brandon Belt on the 10-day injured list with a mild left oblique strain and recalling infielder Jason Vosler, per manager Gabe Kapler (via Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle). Kapler doesn’t expect Belt to miss more than 10 to 14 days, and in the meantime, Darin Ruf will get the lion’s share of playing time at first base. Even a short absence for Belt could be a tough blow for the contending Giants, though, considering he’s off to a .228/.350/.447 start with eight home runs in 137 plate appearances. However, Ruf has also hit well – albeit over a smaller sample of 97 PA – with a .228/.361/.506 line and six long balls.
- The Dodgers are hopeful that slugger Cody Bellinger will return from the injured list on Saturday, manager Dave Roberts told Juan Toribio of MLB.com and other reporters. Los Angeles has gone nearly the entire season without Bellinger, who suffered a hairline fracture in his left leg and hasn’t played since April 5. Nevertheless, the reigning World Series champions have more than held their own in Bellinger’s absence, having won eight straight to improve to 30-18.
- Mariners left-hander Marco Gonzales, out since April with a forearm strain, is making progress and could come back during the team’s upcoming homestand (May 27-June 2), per Adam Jude of the Seattle Times. Gonzales was one of the top starters in the league year, but he’s off to a rough beginning this season between the injury and his performance. Before going on the IL, Gonzales recorded a surprisingly poor 5.40 ERA/4.87 SIERA in 28 1/3 innings, and his walk rate skyrocketed compared to 2020. He issued walks just 2.5 percent of the time then, but he’s up to 9.1 now.
- Padres reliever Drew Pomeranz has suffered a setback in his recovery from a left shoulder impingement, manager Jayce Tingler announced to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com and other reporters. The Padres will shut Pomeranz down from throwing for about a week and then decide how to proceed. Unfortunately, injuries have been a common problem since Pomeranz’s career began in 2011. When healthy, though, he has been a revelation for the Padres since they inked him to a four-year, $34MM contract before 2020. Dating back to then, the 32-year-old has registered a 1.67 ERA with a highly impressive 38 percent strikeout rate in 32 1/3 innings, including 13 2/3 this season.
- Despite his encouraging start to the season at the Triple-A level, the Angels have not recalled top outfield prospect Jo Adell. That doesn’t look as if it’s going to change imminently, as general manager Perry Minasian said Tuesday (via Bill Shaikin of the LA Times): “He’s making some strides. He’s not there yet.” While the 22-year-old Adell has hit a power-packed .266/.326/.696 with 10 home runs in 86 plate appearances, he has posted a high strikeout rate of 33.7 percent at the same time. Strikeouts have been an issue over the past few years for Adell, including during his major league debut last season. He fanned in 41.7 percent of his 132 PA then and batted a woeful .161/.212/.266.
Poor Little Jo. Oh well, at least he still has that exit velocity thing going for him.
Adell is still younger than the majority of top 25 prospects. Give this kid time, Jesus.
Bk, not only is he five years younger than his competition, he’s missed a season and a half of playing games due to Covid and a major leg injury.
He’s a kid. He’s learning, and still hits the ball a ton.
His competition had to deal with Covid as well.
What competition is that? Name another player that was rushed to the majors with less than 350 ABs above A ball? And he was 21. So who else had to deal with that?
Juan Soto comes to mind.
Juan Soto had his call up rushed because the minor leagues were cancelled? Who knew.? As long as you are writing the ridiculous, Why don’t you write Al Kaline.
Had there not been Covid, he would have not been promoted. So what player what 21 with very little AAA experience was brought up last year because of Covid?
I wonder if Adell would be best used for a front line, young, controlable starting pitcher.
Amazing how many people here actively root for prospects to fail
They must have miserable lives. In order for them to feel good about themselves, they need to root for someone else to fail.
We agree on that Cey. How people rip Bellinger is beyond me.
Its just Wilmer. No matter his name, we know he is a sad, strange little man.
He has that power thing, slugging thing and speed thing going for him. And he’s five years younger than his competition.
Hard to believe how many people don’t like Jo Adell. You wonder if people actually follow this game.
It would be a colossal blunder for the Angels to trade Adell in a bid to contend in 2021.
So, what’s with this Justin Upton revival? He’s making the decision to wait on Adell and Marsh a bit easier.
He should have been inAAA last year, but they didn’t have AAA last season. Man you are a deep thinker.
You did not say contend. Blame Siri.
Upton has always been streaky. Look at last year: horrible month, great month.
He’s obviously on a hot run right now. Hopefully it lasts for a while. Because when the hot streak ends, it gets ugly fast.
You keep harping on this 5 years younger thing…this is from Fangraphs in 2012, but this something you seem to continue to ignore despite it being pointed out to you. Average age of players at AAA doesn’t mean what you keep trying to imply.
“The average age of players in Triple-A last year was 28, and the vast majority of players in Triple-A are older than their Major League Rookie counterparts. While there are some 25 year olds in Triple-A that will make impacts on their respective teams, few significantly older should be considered prospects”
Adell is young, his strike out problem would still worry me quite a bit, but I know you will defend him no matter what, so we can agree to disagree on that one, but please stop trying to use the age of competition thing like it supports your stance as much as you do.
Ok. What 21 year old was rushed to the major Leagues with less than 150 AAA ABs all accumulated at age 20?
It means exactly what I think it means.
Last year everyone was calling Guerrero JR a bust at 21 , this year he might be the best hitter in baseball.
Agree.. so tired of EV etc making guys a star.. great kid.. bust long term.. another Angels screw up
The Angels need to wait on Adell until he starts making more contact. With the Angels pen, there isn’t any hurry.
Exactly- this season is toast, just start getting set up for next year
Anaheim’s motto, set up for next year.
Absolutes Death, taxes, and a Belt injury. Its a shame Belt had potential of a .300 hitter and hit 20 HR per season, just never lived up to it and aged out. Belt is always too happy to look at strike 3 while hoping for ball 4 even if the count was 2-2
Dodgers add more firepower with returns of Bellinger and Zach McKinstry (younger kiki), DJ obvious candidate to take his swing and misses to OKC. This makes dodgers unbelievably difficult to win against.
McKinstry and Hernandez are not similar players. I loved what Enrique contributed to the Dodgers, but McKinstry carried a stronger bat.
I don’t get some of the nasty comments I’ve seen from some Dodger fans re D.J. Peters. There are plenty of swings and misses throughout the game. Peters has a chance to be a good Major Leaguer. Basing an opinion on a handful of at-bats is short-sighted, which is what too many Dodger fans do. Granted, these are some of the same people who labeled Max Muncy a “scrub” after his first month in L.A.. and were calling Gavin Lux a bust three weeks ago.
Cey Hey:
I agree about Peters. I looked at his numbers a couple weeks ago, and they didn’t look good. But then I saw him in the series with the Giants, and I was surprised. I thought he looked impressive. He made hard contact, and the guy can flat out run. He definitely covers some ground in the OF as well, and I love good defense, something a lot of fans don’t regard as high as they should.
tad2b13,
I like guys who can cover ground in the OF. An impressive thing about the Giants is how they’ve accumulated a bunch of guys who can play CF. Covering ground and proper positioning can cover a lot of pitcher mistakes. For people who claim to like the strategy aspect of baseball, it ain’t just about whether to pinch-hit for the pitcher. Watch how the defense sets up.
I like McKinstry, but I’d give a lot of pause before saying he is a better hitter than Kike. Just like those hating on Peters, you are judging an extremely small sample size and he has never hit like that at any level of the minors. I would take Peters long term over him any day.
“ size and he has never hit like that at any level of the minors. I would take Peters long term over him any day.”
Uh Steve,
2018: A, A+, and AA: combined 861 OPS
2019: AA & AAA: 882 OPS
2020: 4 games in majors, inconsequential. All reports from AZ was he hit all year
2021: majors: 883 OPS
He hasn’t stopped hitting since 2018. My understanding is he was one of many dodgers to revamp their swings in 2017/2018. He’s producing amazingly consistently like he has been since A ball
McKinstry is 26 with a contact oriented approach. Peters is 25 with a massive hole in his swing. DJ will add more defensive value in CF, but it’s far from a shoe in that Peters will have the better career
No, I have watched McKinstry play. He is a hitter, which is not a strength of Hernandez.
Dodger fan here and I agree 100%. Kike brought a lot of energy to the team and had some big home runs, but McKinstry is and will be the better hitter.
Am not being hard on Peters his history on K’s and seems like he has not changed yet. I understand his power is on a high scale. His fielding is .980 in minors – I have seen him on field he a decent OF and above Avg arm.
Its his K rate that shows that as pitchers get more scouting reports on him will hit his weaknesses more often.
His minor league #’s
2017 Cal-A 189k’s in 584 ABs 64BB
2018 Tx-AA 192k’s in 491 ABs 45 BB
2019 Tx-AA 93k’s in 249 ABs 28 BB
2019 OKC-AAA 75k’s in 208 ABs 33BB
2021 LAD 11k in 22AB although 8 BB was a surprise.
His K rate is too high to be FT as his AVG will suffer unless he can transition and adjust to scouting reports this will not make him a FT player until he cuts the K rate.
I would say the hitter peters is a poorer version of Dave Kingman.
The 8 walks are primarily intentional for Peters as he bats before the pitcher –
Not hating but DJ Peters is not a MLB player , he will be turning 26 soon and wouldnt have even been up if not for a rash of injs – He holds a 30+ k rate in the minors
Mckinstry…and its not particularly close
Agreed. Yeah we’re tough on Peters but those of you who don’t see it please open your eyes. Guy can’t hit and covering the field? No way he’s a CF, and an average to below average fielder. Lux has had his struggles but the way he has dominated minor leagues and flashes of performance in majors it doesn’t seem like he’s a bust. He may not live up to very high expectations but likely not a bust. I do wonder if his defense is good enough at shortstop. Doesn’t quite seem to have the range and fluidity. He’s in that good enough to throw him out there at SS bucket.
mlb Dodgers- It sucks, it really does, I truly feel for Peters bc this whole dudes career is probably in the balance and he had the worst timing to ever try and capitalize….No minors last year, less training, less availability at training facilities and the list goes on and on bc of Covid… It comes out as rough and likely offends Dodger fans bc this is a Dodger thread
Saying all that; Raley Peters and Reks were just not good going into the season – I made a post a couple months ago (be4) the season on the lack of OF minors depth in LAD and the MLBTR community completely took it as
A)Just be grateful your a Dodger fan
B- 3rd World problems and then there were the
C) Deniers crowd (homers) who said they’d be great ofc bc they were Dodger Blue….
Hopefully in 2~3 years Vogel and Pages become quality MLB players but until then theres No help coming inside the org. Hopefully the body of Mass they call AJ Pollock can offer….{something?} in the meantime ??
I think you’re right. If not for the many injuries guys like Peters should still be in the minors, and yes, COVID has hindered progress overall. May be too early to give up on him but I just don’t see it. Strikes out way too much, and it’s not like he’s hitting home runs to compensate for that. And Raley can’t hit the breaking pitches. I’ve been very critical of Pollock, but man, I’ll take his ABs over Raley, Neuse, Peters, Tsutsugo, and Pujols.
When McKinstry and Bellinger come back I’d think that Peters and Tsutsugo get sent down or released for Tsusugo. Lineup will get a major upgrade. Too many easy outs in the lineup right now, and pinch hitting depth non-existent. Heck, I’d rather have Clayton Kershaw pinch hitting than Peters or Tsutsugo right now.
Peters best bet is another team sees him as an interesting wild card and targets him in a package for a trade
This year was his best opportunity in LA, fair or not, and he failed. I can’t imagine he gets a better shot than earlier this year in LA
He wont get a better shot here McCourt….But he went deep today !
Agree he needs another team too take interest, I hope they do… a team like Det can give him some rope and hope on the body/power/speed upside
@mlb fan – I’ve been pretty happy with Big Al so far ! Agree on taking Pollock over current options but yea cant say I’m a big fan either –
Remember when Chris Taylor wasn’t a starter on this team opening day….2021 still laughs in OUR face! Will be fun seeing our whole lineup come July
Yep, the irony that Peters went deep last night. Low breaking pitch down in the zone and he got it. Two strikeout though. We’ll see how it shapes up. Wish him luck if it doesn’t work out with the Dodgers. Four core players will return at some point and four current position players will need to exit. Seems like it will be Peters and Tsutsugo for Bellinger and McKinstry. Neuse and Pujols when Seager and Pollock return. Of course that assumes no other injuries which is probably not a good assumption. Maybe Turner goes on the IL at some point. Pujols is probably the last cut but if the Dodgers are at full strength they may not need him, though they would be lefty dominated. I’d guess they pick up a more reliable right handed bat in the trade deadline unless Pujols is mashing or at least mashing left handed pitching. He’s a complete liability on the field and a GIDP nightmare. I also worry a bit that they may be catering too much to him given his veteran HOF status. No need to bat him clean up over Smith, for example.
Yep, Taylor has was supposed to be the depth guy but he’s been the starter all over the field. He has come through though. Hope he can maintain his current numbers. Has been even more valuable with Kike being gone and McKinstry in the IL.
Datashark:
Odd take for someone calling themselves “Datashark”. “I’m all about the data, but forget it in Belt’s case, where I’ll go with my perception.”
Belt has the 7th highest OBP among qualified active 1B-men. 26th overall among all qualified active players regardless of position.
If you watched closely enough you’d see that Belt knows the strike zone better than a lot of umpires. His problem has been expecting the umps to get the call correct.
No team minds strike outs any more as long as they either hit for power, or get on base. Both things Belt does. His OPS+ is 7th also among all qualified active 1B-men, and tied for 26th overall with Nolan Arenado.
Brandon Belt does what the Giants need him to do. Regarding his knowledge of the strike zone and overall professionalism, those are things that help a team looking to improve. His approach is bound to rub off on younger teammates. The Giants have quite a few veterans like that.. We’ll see if they hang in the race. You can be pretty sure they won’t beat themselves.
Giants shifted belt up and down the lineup looking where to place him and even threw him into LF to get what they expected him to do. HIT FOR MORE POWER WITH AVG. When he batted leadoff or #2 slot to get on base he suddenly dipped in that respect and began to K more.
HE is supposed to be that POWER BAT they don’t need him to be just the OnBase Guy. I have heard from Bochy, to Sabean to Frahan all say on interviews about belt working to move runners more as his LOB rate is high for his stature on this team.
Datashark:
AGAIN, It’s about creating runs. You’re nit-picking specifics. Belt is not lacking in power, as his OPS+ attests. Plus, he ranks 8th among qualified active 1B-men, and 44th overall in SLG.
If your implication is that he doesn’t hit enough HRs, that ignores the fact that he has played his entire career in a park that has been one of, if not the, hardest for HRs for all batters, but even more punitive for LHHs.
And let me remind you of your post that led to this exchange. You said:
” Its a shame Belt had potential of a .300 hitter and hit 20 HR per season, just never lived up to it and aged out. Belt is always too happy to look at strike 3 while hoping for ball 4 even if the count was 2-2″
That’s hardly a stat, or metric, based opinion. It’s pretty clear to me that those that underrate Belt, and complain about SOs, don’t really quite understand the game.
Plus, LOB rate is a stupid stat. Studies have shown that the quality of being clutch is illusory. It’s about as helpful a stat as RBI.
RBI is a helpful stat, just as batting average and pitcher wins are. Just because there are other numbers to look at doesn’t mean these traditional stats are totally meaningless. Hitting the ball, driving in runs, and winning the game matter.
Cey Hey:
I’m not totally discounting RBI, or pitcher wins, I didn’t really mean that. But, you have to admit, those stats are hugely dependent on factors beyond the player’s control. Those numbers are somewhat helpful, but need to be looked at in context, like deGrom’s W/L record.
But, that said, what I should have said is the LOB numbers are less helpful than RBI numbers. The idea that a guy that hits, say .250, can somehow get his 1 hit, out of an average of 4 ABs, when it matters most is absurd.. Or that a .330 hitter, who still fails 2/3s of the time, can get that one hit, out of an average of three ABs, when guys are on base, defies logic
Most guys that are considered clutch, are usually good hitters to begin with. And usually their numbers. with RISP, turn out to be close to their career batting numbers. Clutch is an anecdotal perception.
With a name like Datashark I would think you would use a stat like iso for an example of power. Half of ops+ comes from on base percentage which power has zero affect. Belt’s iso is .192. Just a bit higher than league avg for a 1st baseman.
“ Half of ops+ comes from on base percentage which power has zero affect”
And the other half is all about slugging+power. THIS is your way of negating a stat? That’s horrendous..
An overrated player returning to an overrated team.
Bitter much?
Yeah an elite defensive CF with a career OPS+ of 140 is overrated
Bellinger won a Gold Glove in RF and would win one at 1B if he played that position full-time.
Four-year average of 102-60 per 162 games and they have their best roster now. The franchise record of 106 wins has an excellent chance of being broken in 2021. Wanna win the NL West? To beat the Dodgers, you’ll have to win 108 games. No other team is close to that level at this point.
Dutch Vander Linde:
As a Giants fan there’s nothing I’d like better than a well founded dig at the Dodgers. Unfortunately, in this case I have to say, Dude, you’re probably doubly wrong. While I still have questions about Bellinger long term, there’s no denying what he’s done so far.
And after the spanking we got in the 3 game sweep, IMO, the Dodgers are far from being overrated. Even if Bellinger struggles with injuries, which I see as a possibility, the Dodgers can still cruise to the division title without him.
I hate to say it, but this Dodger team is formidable. My hope for the Giants is a WC berth. I don’t see them competing with LA for the division title.
neither Belt’s nor Ruf’s slash lines are that impressive imo…
DarkSide:
Well, no if you’re looking at BA. But it’s all about creating runs, and Belt has a 130 wRC+ so far this year. Darin Ruf has a 135.
So while their slash lines don’t look impressive, they are both having excellent seasons so far.
His .370 OBP and .512 SLG says otherwise. That’s good for 33rd in baseball, which isn’t bad for a bench player.
If Ted Williams were alive today to read this, he’d puke.
Yeah, and Ted Williams thought it was a good idea to pay to have his decapitated head cryogenically frozen for possible future reanimation.
That’ll put the discussion on ice
Both are better than Vosler (heroics last night aside)or Wade Jr. Both of those guys are just under 100, which is league average. So Ruf & Belt are 30-35% better at creating runs than the decidedly average replacements.
I thought the Angels traded Adell months ago.
Finally. After all those out of work comedians trying to be funny, this, is actually funny.
It’s nice to see Adell finally show some in-game HR power. If he can cut down on the whiffs, he might finally earn a full time roster spot next to Trout in the OF. He has the tools to be great; he just needs to execute. It was smart of the Angels front office not to trade this kid. He best years are still ahead of him.
This could be great news for the Mariners because it gives Dipoto the opportunity to reassess Gonzales spot at the top of the rotation, allows him to step back from his love affair with Gonzales being an Ace.
Good solid pitcher who would be welcome on most teams, just not at the top half of the rotation.
So I keep reading about Jo’s bat. That’s not what I’m worried about…how’s his glove in the outfield? His defense was really bad last season. Anyone know or watched his games to give any feedback?
He made an absolute web gem last weekend. That’s all I’ve seen.
He looked much better in center a couple years ago when I saw him in Tempe than he did last year in right. I think he just couldn’t read the spin off the bat in right for some reason. He’s in left now.
Thank you brother…I’ve had no concerns with his bat. If he makes improvements in the field he should have a good run with the big club. We’ve been struggling but making steps in the right direction the last few games.
Was it a web gem because of a poor read/route, or an actual one? His OF defense was surprisingly bad last year, it’d be a really good sign if he’s managed to improve that already. As DGHalos alludes to, if Adell has to rely 100% on his bat to provide value, it’d be harder to see him being a full time ML regular.
No rush on Adell. I’m more interested in seeing Marsh make his debut this year.
Rodriguez is making some noise in AA, Adams is intriguing. One of these four is gone for long term pitching soon.
First off i’m an Angels fan and rooting for Adell but hope he does well enough to trade for pitching. A few posted he is 5 years younger than his competition . He is 22, here are a few 25 and under playing MLB. Is this his competition?
Tatis
Soto
Acuna JR
Devers
Bichette
G Torres
Albies
Vlad JR
Urias
And many more 25 and under
No. His competition are AAA players which average age is 27.
Wow
So you acknowledge he’s 22, then complain for 300 words how he’s not producing like guys who are older than 22, all while showing you clearly have no idea what anyone is talking about when they say he’s younger than his competition. And let’s throw in Torres’ back to back 700 OPS years. That’s real amazing! Wow
You sound like an Adell hater and a bad one at that
lol
I would not consider a 27 year old AAA player a top prospect.
@urnuts Some people are late bloomers. They get better with experience. Jared Walsh was not a top prospect. This is his first full season at age 27 and he is outperforming most “top” prospects.
To be fair tho this whole 27 thing is vastly flawed and now seems to be floating around as {fact?} – No
For 90% of prospects if you dont make it up by 24 or 25 your done …If your 27 or older playing in the minors your probably in the bottom 15 % talent wise and the team is probably hoping you walk in and tell them you got a job in the real world . There might be a farewell cake but you wouldn’t be missed
I’ve pointed this out multiple times. It doesn’t fit the narrative, so it’ll continue to be ignored. Adell is still young for AAA, but it’s not by as much as some would like it to be.
I agree with both of you . Fortune magazine had an article that MLB’s players average in 2018 was 28.1 years.
The league continues to get younger and the superstars seem to breakout at 25. I hope Adell does. He still needs time at AAA. I believe Covid will have an effect on delayed development for a couple of years and we may see fewer Tatis and Acuna’s breakthroughs this year and next.
84 Its truly bizarre isn’t it?
He’s still very young, especially when you consider the circumstances. But it doesn’t fit your narrative. If there are others his age, who have missed similar time, I will say they are very young as well.
I have zero problems with Adell being where he is right now, I think its the right move
But to say he’s up against it playing against older folks in Triple AAA is not a correct methodology relative to skill …yes all minor league pro bound players will play against older comp, they should…if it was the opposite it would be super weird !
Being older isn’t a positive for these other guys in triple AAA; its a detriment, their probably some of the worst players on the team skill wise
Cap… Adell has to make more contact. He makes great contact, he just needs to make more contact. He needs time developing, he’s missed a lot of time and has a little more than half a season above A ball . He is making progress. He is getting better, But he’s not ready.
It’s not so much the age, but the experience. The age relates to experience. Covid and the injury makes him younger than he is and he’s darn young.
People are judging him based on an emergency call up last year. They shouldn’t.
Cap, even if you dismiss the average age thing, you did acknowledge 24/25 year olds in AAA are still legitimate prospects. Adell is 22
Whether it’s 3 years or 5 years he’s undoubtedly young for the level, even for very good prospects
They should not Halo, I agree…
I do not dispute anything in the kids path McCourt, I’m just saying its not out of expectation to perform at 22 in triple AAA…it is kind of THE expectation
Its a big year for the kid, I think the less noise the better, that’s undoubtedly AAA till Sept at minimum
Angels have some pieces they can pilfer opening up spots the last month for the kids … Adell is not my worry for the Angels , they have no staff or pen next year and the whole league will be in those markets heavy….They need to be aggressive and perhaps even get a head start this year getting an Sp traded for thats under contract next year and beyond
How is hitting .228 hitting well?!?! I don’t get the direction this game is heading anymore. Exit velo, launch angle, etc. Justin Upton is hitting like .180 something but he’s strutting like Rickey when he hits a home run?!?!? Grandal is hitting .136 and people are praising him?!?!?
A 130 OPS+ is pretty good.
WRC+ is 96. That’s below league average.
Halo11Fan:
@vtadave is talking about Belt, who has a 131 wRC+. Not sure who you’re referring to.
Kevin mentioned Justine Upton. As far as Belt . I’ll never forget that 20+ pitch AB.
Belt was the only one with a 130 OPS+. Of course you may not have been responding to vtadave.
I’ll never forget that AB either. I was watching and couldn’t believe how it just kept going on. I’d had never seen anything like it.
Kenny Reynolds:
“I don’t get the direction this game is heading anymore.”
The game is not heading in any other direction than it always has. There’s just a much deeper, more complete way of analysis of what players have always done, and they’re learning that guys that may not have a high BA can still be productive, and help a team win.
Despite both Belt and Ruf having a BA of only .228. what they’ve done, getting on base, hitting for power, and creating runs, both are big factors in the Giants early success.
What’s funny is, the Giants had the best record in baseball less than a week ago. with a +57 run differential, and even though 1B is a key power position, their 1B guys have only .228 BAs. People were wondering how is SF winning? And a big part of the answer is because their 1B guys are being very productive, even though it doesn’t look like it at first glance. Advanced metrics explain why.
Yes, their pitching was a big part as well, plus Posey and Crawford were hitting well. But the pen has not been great, and some guys got off to slow starts like Yaz, or have cooled off considerably like Longo. Teams don’t win that many games, when all they have is good starting pitching, and 2-3 hitters hitting well. You have proof right in front of you; advanced metrics explains why SF was winning, and some credit goes to Belt and Ruf despite the .228 BA.
I never get tired of Darin Ruf succeeding., as the cockles of everyone’s hearts should always be warmed just a bit when 20th-rounders earn more than a cup of coffee. (And especially when they’re defensively limited 1B/DH-types.) He was the best part of a very dreary 2013 Phillies season, for me at least, and was treated shabbily by the team for his trouble.. So definitely glad to see him having some success with a competitor.
28 points over the Mendoza line is not hitting well.
taran7:
You apparently put importance on BA. If so, that leaves you far behind the thinking of, not only most baseball fans, but every single FO throughout baseball, and every media outlet, like MLBTR, Fangraphs, Baseball America, etc.
People have learned that a .228 BA needs to be looked at in context with the ability to get on base, hit for power, and create runs. Yes a .228 BA without all those things is not hitting well. On the other hand a .228 BA with a high OBP, hitting for power, and run creation is, in fact. hitting well.
I don’t care what any of you are talking about. I come on here to complain about what an awful announcer Daron Sutton is….I’d be more pissed if the Angels we’re winning because then I’d pay more attention and have to listen to his whiny voice make stupid comments all game long…
I wonder if Gubie keeps a tack in his shoe and steps on it, like you do in a lie detector test, just so he doesn’t stab a pen in his ear every time Sutton opens his lispy little mouth…Ugh I can’t stand him!!!
Bellinger to start in CF on Saturday. Hopefully he stays healthy and strokes. Will make the Dodgers that much more dangerous.