This is one of the exact reasons Hinch said. Basically, the pitcher has to be ready for anything from the first batter on.
Based on the Astros philosophy, quotes from Hinch and Springer's success, I think the only way he gets moved is if there is some sort of dramatic acquisition/trade or injury that forces a change in the lineup.
Funny thing, Astros likely have average OBP guys in back of lineup, but with less pop. High OBP with some HRs is likely more beneficial to Astros than most teams because of this. Basically, Springer, Correa, and Altuve are likely the best guys at leading off. However, Correa and Altuve are the best two guys at driving in guys, and having great hitters back to back provides a nice synergy.
I am sure we have some baseball guys in here, but I was a very good high school pitcher up until I tore my rotator cuff in highschool. There is a different anxiety level when facing the third and fourth hitter on a team. The first hitter of the game was a guy you knew you could make a mistake too and only pay with a slap on the wrist. This all or nothing leadoff guy who gets on the base quite a bit is genius. Hinch is completely underrated. He has his Hinch moments as does every manager, but for the most part he has improved tremendously the last few years and is a top 5 coach in the MLB.
Springer's OPS has really shot up. He's definitely entered the very crowded AL All-star OF conversation. Springer, Altuve, & Correa are now top 10 in the AL in WAR (Among offensive players). The rank 7th, 8th, & 9th in wRC+.
Springer had shown massive improvement with RISP this season. In years past he has been a significant liability in run producing situations, but so far that has been the exact opposite. Most importantly his K rate in those situations has greatly improved. That is one of the big reasons I have been such an advocate of him leading off. If that trend continues throughout the year, maybe we reevaluate and move him into a larger run producing role. But we're not gonna f**k with success right now.
His two strike approach in the Rangers series was phenomenal. He kept fouling 2-strike pitches the other day and then cranked HR's. The Rangers fans were pissed. with the obvious reply:
Hitting coach is always the one called out to get fired during a slump... but never gets any sort of credit for improvements.
The thing that sucks for Georgie is that Red Sox/Yankees guys are gonna take up at least 3 OF spots and Trout's gonna get one.
It shouldn't be that hard for you to say "I (jim1961) would like to see the prototypical leadoff man for the Astros, but the Astros strategy for using Springer in that spot is working out really well and the lineup, as constructed, is producing at historic rates, so I'll trust their judgment."
I would like to see a prototypical leadoff man for the Astros, but the Astros strategy for using Springer in that spot is working out really well and the lineup, as constructed, is producing at historic rates, so I'll trust their judgment. That said, I still dont think Springer should lead off
No, jim1961 is not "merely" sharing an opinion. He is ARROGANTLY boastfully wanting people to "eat crow" and rub it into "inferior" thinkers, from his genius ideas being executed I don't think all the effort against him is necessary either. But he CERTAINLY has it coming back to him in some way. Having conviction in your beliefs is one thing. But people arent that dumb to not sense the condescending smugness.
So, all numbers, eye tests, and team results aside, your opinion will never change, because it's your opinion and you are dug into the argument.
If you were to call me stubborn, I really couldn't disagree with that. But boastfully arrogant? What am I boasting? Besides my opening arguments, almost every post thereafter was in response to others attacking my position. The "eat crow" comment was in jest. Sorry your sarcasm meter is broken. I will Apologize though to anyone who felt like I was being condescending or smug. This was not my intent.
It hasn't changed because what the numbers and eye tests mean to me is apparently different than what they mean to most others. Lets pretend the season hasnt started yet. Lets pretend there was no BO precedent, meaning you were free to make any batting order you wanted without any history of where a player had batted previously or where he was used to batting. In other words, you could put any player anywhere in the order. Now looking at just the stats. What the players strengths and weaknesses are. After a good study, you would look at the data and put Springer in the #1? I wouldn't. Someone suggested we could just flip Springer and Altuve. In the light of minimizing BO changes for other players, that would work pretty well for me. The #1 isnt a foreign spot for Altuve and it would put Springer into a position ,ore likely of having more guys on base when he comes to bat, which is one of the major reasons I want him batting lower in the order.
