the abnormally high BABIP indicates this year is more than likely an aberration (from a BA and therefore OBP perspective). Maybe some improvement, but not nearly what the general stats seem to indicate.. but we'll see, maybe he'll beat that somehow
Actually it's not, his first is still his best. He might not even reach his standard 25 homers and has slowed down in RBIs. Don't mean to kill the guy but his numbers aren't out of this world by any means.
This isn't his best year. He has a higher average, but isn't hitting for as much power nor is he stealing bases, and he's striking out more than ever. Basically, his style has changed this year, but his overall season is about the same as his last several. His OPS is almost identical to his career averages.
This is his best year (Using WAR from baseball reference) since his rookie season. Pitchers took a season to adapt. Sophomore slump. He had a nice improvement in 3rd season. 4th season was about as good as 3rd season. 5th season was a huge improvement a nearly the same production (in a different way) as first season. If using OPS+, this is his best season. I can see why people expect more from Pence. His BABIP suggests he is being lucky in BA, but his HR/2B ratio is slumping to suggest he is being unlucky for power. I think he'll improve a little bit. Maybe even become as good as Bourn who is a much better player than people realize because he isn't getting knocked in.
Only thing I don't like about the Pence deal is Astros sending $2 million in cash to the Phils. I don't get it. So basically Phils get Pence for free this year salary wise and don't have to pay him anything. If they want, they can go ahead keep him for the rest of the season and trade him the offseason and get prospects for him and don't have to pay a dime and still get prospects for him.
Olney is saying Braves strongly believe the package they offered for Pence is a lot better than the Phillies' package. Now Rosenthal is saying Braves have six untouchables and not just four as previously reported. How could the Braves offer have been better? The Braves are full of sh^t
it was too keep the Phillies out of the luxury tax. In return, Phillies gave us too more low-level prospects. I doubt they trade Pence with Ibanez declining.
why does the $2mil matter to the team? Does that come out of our payroll? I just thought it was the owner giving some of his cash to the Phillies. Clarification would be appreciated
Same difference. By "moves" it still means consistent stockpiling of young talent. Right. That wrapped up what I was trying to say the first time.
best wishes to Pence, unless he plays the 'Stros. Plays the game the right way. Class guy (it seems). Here's to this all-out rebuilding effort working the first time, and being relevant again in 3 years or sooner. Go Astros!