tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11175154.post114537024203469691..comments2024-03-22T05:48:26.129-05:00Comments on Braves & Birds: Brave New ThoughtsMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365733949431139562noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11175154.post-1145458775961031902006-04-19T09:59:00.000-05:002006-04-19T09:59:00.000-05:00I don't really follow what the sabermetricians hav...I don't really follow what the sabermetricians have to say about strikeouts (though that was an informative post, peacedog). I feel like I did cloud my case a bit by citing the 100 strikeout-barrier, as if that, in itself, is some definitive number that separates the plate-disciplined from the hackers.<BR/><BR/>I think you can go case by case with these hitters and justify the strikeouts. Andruw Jones will strike out 100 times this season, and I have no problem with that whatsoever - for obvious reasons. Francouer, if he plays everyday, will strike out 120 times or so, and I really don't have a problem with that given his power, though I wouldn't mind seeing 30 walks or so mixed in. Giles will also surpass 100 strikeouts (he did last year), but he has shown a good eye so far in terms of walks, and he's also good for 45 doubles and 15 homers, which may make up for that. That same logic can be applied to Langerhans and Betemit as well, though I think in the case of the latter the strikeout-rate is way too high.<BR/><BR/>LaRoche's strikeouts are intolerable. But we knew that.<BR/><BR/>The real problem, though, is the cumulative effect of having so many people in your lineup that strike out a lot (Renteria also struck 100 times last year, though early signs this year indicate that 2005 was an aberration). It just doesn't seem to me to be a lineup that will generate a lot of runs when the hot hitters trail off. Maybe, I'm wrong about that, and the ability to draw walks will offset the strikeouts. I agree that having Chipper back will help enormously. I'm just concerned by the fact that the Braves are leading the league in strikeouts by quite a distance so far this year (incidently, they also have 71 more strikeouts than walks, which is the highest differential in the majors). That doesn't seem to bode well to me.Edhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02525308050499798151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11175154.post-1145396753556393212006-04-18T16:45:00.000-05:002006-04-18T16:45:00.000-05:00I think the current consensus is that strikeouts a...I think the current consensus is that strikeouts aren't an especially important measure for hitters, certainly not like they are for pitchers. After all, most of the best sluggers strike out a lot. The Braves are 3rd in the NL in walks drawn and 2nd in homers, so they're doing well in the more important of the three true outcomes.<BR/><BR/>I agree with you on LaRoche. I gave up on him (for the most part) last year and he's no better this year. I just don't know if his bat is fast enough.Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08365733949431139562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11175154.post-1145378131468624712006-04-18T11:35:00.000-05:002006-04-18T11:35:00.000-05:00It seems to me the biggest problem for the Braves ...It seems to me the biggest problem for the Braves right now is not the starting pitching (which will get better, if only because there are numerous options) nor is it the bullpen, but rather the offense. The Braves have 5 everyday players on a pace to strike out at least 100 times (including LaRoche who is on pace for 230 strikeouts or thereabouts). Even worse, the utility players (Betemit, Orr, Jordan, Pratt, Diaz) have combined for 27 strikouts in 89 ABs, or 1 strikout per 3.3 ABs. Betemit, despite his pretty average, has been one of the worst offenders.<BR/><BR/>That's a lot of empty at-bats for a team to absorb. Is it going to get better? Maybe, (I mean I can't imagine LaRoche getting any worse), but there is a definite lack of plate discipline top-to-bottom in this lineup, and I have a feeling that the offense is not going to be as lethal as some have forecasted based on the hot start.Edhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02525308050499798151noreply@blogger.com