In order to drive runs in, someone has to be on base. That's why it's a mistake to judge hitters by RBIs; they're very dependent on the hitters in front of them and no situation is exactly the same. That's why it's not (when used by itself) a valid measure. By the way, Ric, I completely agree with you re. Ensberg platooning against lefties. He's always had fairly sizable splits his entire career and has always pounded lefties, so giving him a diet of them on a regular basis is hopefully what he needs for his confidence.
Among player who have had 200+ runners on base in their ABs: Lance Berkman drives in 22.7%, this leads the league. Morgan Ensberg drives in 10.68%, this is 105th out of 109 players. They have had roughly the same number of runners on (242 to 234).
there ya go!!! great find, buck!!! that's what we're saying. again..you can tell me over and over again that having a cleanup hitter having a high OBP is more important than driving in runs, but i'll never buy off on it.
But even then, it doesn't show what bases the runners are on. For example, some players and teams clearly have more extra base power than others and are more likely to have a runner in scoring position as opposed to a runner on first. It's also dependent on the players behind them in the lineup. For most of this year, Lance has batted 3rd and Morgan 4th... there's more protection behind you batting third than there is fourth, for example. That said, I do agree with this specific case; Morgan hasn't driven in the runs that he needs to. But, there are too many factors to use RBIs as the be all, end all stat to determine this across the league. Even if you use the stat that measures percentage of baserunners driven in... it still doesn't include what bases they're on, where the hitters are in the lineup, the protection around them... etc. And yes, every statistic to an extent is dependent on certain factors. But it's especially the case with RBIs, and that's why it's not a particularly relevant statistic when used alone.
Cat -- no stat is good in and of itself..all alone. but driving in runs is hugely, hugely, hugely important for guys in the meat of the order.
No kidding? Damn, everything I said was based on a stat or two, cuz I sure as hell *don't watch the games*. Unbelievable.
You and Max seem to take things I say and think I'm directing them at you guys. I'm not. I'm directing them at a select few posters and fans who post RBI numbers like they prove a player's relative worth to the team. If you'll go back and look, the initial post I quoted to start this discussion wasn't one of yours. I'm not sure what's so unbelievable... I didn't accuse you of basing everything by one or two statistics or of not watching the games. You're making a whole lot of assumptions there.
The lecture, if you want to call it that, was merely making an example of the numbers you posted and directing that to the people who appear to watch less baseball than you and Max do and/or judge solely by a few outdated statistics. I'll clarify that better in the future, though.
Yes he is. However, with Bagwell and Wilson's deals expiring (along with Clemens and Pettitte as well, although I think Andy will be re-signed), they should have room to re-sign him. Also, his agent isn't Scott Boras, so that's a plus.
you should be outraged Ace! we just traded a potential major league pitcher for a worthless batter!!!!!!! where is the anger?!?!? PITCHING>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>offense remember???????? this is an atrocious day for the Astros organization! ATROCIOUS!!!
Personally, I think this is a great move. Huff is versatile and I think he is as good if not better than our other outfield options (Besides when Berkman plays).
people are so harsh on this board, yea ensberg is sucking right now but everett while not much of a hitter he is one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball and backe when healthy is an above average pitcher. i'd do the deal but its not as one-sided as some are claiming
If only RBIs were a good measure of a player's impact on runs scored. Too bad that RBIs as a stat are a poor measure offensive production compared to other stats.
It's not meant to say anything about defense. And the baseline they set replacement value at is arbitrary, but there is a logical basis for where it's set.
