I think that part of the reason why he's not himself this year, is the fact that he's played half, if not most of the season hitting in front of Daryle Ward of Hidalgo. This isn't really much of a protection for one of the hitters who gets pitched around as much as anyone in the MLB. I'm not sure what his stats were at the 3 hole from earlier this year, but I feel that if we put him in front of Berkman, he's more likely to see pitches to hit. I know that this would in effect, hurt Berkman's hitting a little bit, because he won't have much protection in Ward or Doggy, but I feel that at this point in time, Berkman provides more protection for Bagwell, than Bagwell provides protection for Berkman, as well as the fact that I think Berkman is more capable of hitting "on his own" than Bagwell right now. Thoughts?
You make an interesting point, but I don't wholly agree. The prevailing wisdom is to bat your best hitter in the 3 hole. That would be Berkman at this point. I kind of scratched my head when they made the switch, but soon after I understood it. I don't think it really matters much to the success of the team. Either way one will go up and the other down. it's all about the same.
Ref-I don't doubt that Berkman is our best hitter... I just think the Astros would be better off hitting him behind Bagwell, if it means that Bagwell will get more fastballs and strikes to hit. Clearly, Berkman will be able to hit on his own, without protection. At this stage in his career and with the injuries, I think Bagwell will need some protection.
I do think that you make an interesting point, and you make a darned good case for it. I have wondered how Baggy's season would have progressed in the 3 hole. Like those old Tootsie Roll Pop commercials said...the world may never know.
Not now. The team has finally found its niche. A set lineup makes things easier on everyone. Plus, no need to mess with a good thing.
Point well taken. I agree. Like I said above, it is interesting, but Berkman is our best hitter and should hit in the 3 hole.
Bagwell's finallly in a groove -- I say don't mess with him. He's batting .350+ w/ power in July (& nearly .500 OBP).
Batting 3rd: 161 AB 30 R 26 RBI .280 AVG .400 OBP .547 SLG Batting 4th: 199 AB 26 R 36 RBI .276 AVG .391 OBP .457 SLG Pretty much a wash, and like Major & others said, why mess with a good thing right now? Bagwell's also the type of hitter who benefits less from protection than others. He'll take his walks if he's being pitched around; of course you'd like him to get 2-3 fastballs in the zone every AB, but then Berkman's gonna get nothing to hit in the 4-spot & I'd rather have a vet in that position than a youngster still learning to hit in the bigs.
I never said to do this RIGHT NOW. But rather, do it after the Astros go back on hibernation on offense. It is inevitable that they will hit a 5-game losing streak.
Wow, I would have thought his #'s from the 4th spot would have been much better. It seems like his avg. and HR have increased since the move. Not to mention the team's record seems to be better, but I never bothered to look that up.
Another reason that has been metioned to keep Bagwell 4th is that Berkman is a much better left handed hitter than right. By keeping Baggy 4th, you have a good left-right-left combo (with Ward 5th). If you put Berkman 4th, a lot of managers will pitch to Bagwell with a righty, then bring a lefty to face Berkman and Ward. If a manager brings in a lefty to turn Berkman around now, you have Bagwell waiting, who crushes left handed pitching.
