by joethejet » Fri Oct 21, 2011 7:00 pm
Big M, thanks for taking a look. You have some points, about my weaknesses, but my contention is that we shouldn't be THIS weak in those categories and it's not like there shouldn't be some strengths to this team that sure aren't showing up.
With Tulo and all 2 OF, our D isn't bad. It's average. Now, not having Tulo for 17 games so far obviously affected that. Hanson (+9) and Verlander (+3) and Madsen (now dropped) have 70% of the steals allowed. No one is going to help Hanson, even Yadier. Verlander could get some help of course. And, about that percentage....doesn't a 90% allowed rate seem a bit strange? I mean I know I have a +2 or +1 Catcher, but do you think the average steal against us is 1-18? The max you can have is 1-19. That's a LOT of success given that the max addition when you're holding is +3. That means the average guy getting the jump is 1-15 on those two pitchers and more than that the other pitchers. Maybe that's the case. You're right, however, that SBs are hurting us and Tulo being out hurt our DPs. Also, we don't have high DP ptichers. Wilson has 0 as do Verlander and Tejeda. Only Zito has 9/8 the other two are at 5. Explains the lack of DPs, something the ratings do take into account.
Speed. Well, our running isn't set to extra conservative, but we're not blazing it's true. Everyone but our catchers and Huff (11) and Uggla (12) are average (13) or above. The only true burner however is Bonifacio. Obviously our lack of slugging was killing us. I don't believe this team is a sub .400 slugging team that it was for most of the season until the last three series. It's still on the low side I believe. We aren't going to steal a lot of bases for sure and speed is an issue when you're hitting singles.
We have 3 1 RPs. I believe a lot of teams in the league have the same or more. In our division only keyz has fewer, you have 4 and so does Stoney. As for why Wilson isn't pitching much and Tejeda is??? Well, the answer is pretty darn obvious. Look at our SP ERAs! :shock: We're getting lit up across the board. Hanson has been decent and Zito ok, but I need the other two carry some innings. Wilson is Hal's first option except for when we're behind and as a Middle RP. Almost every time Tejeda has pitched it's been in a mop up role or extra innings.
As for Tulo, you have to get a bit lucky with hiim and I haven't for sure. It was a gamble that hasn't paid off. :( He hits the crud out of the ball when he's healthy.
Werth we didn't draft for the reasons you mention. We had Braun instead. So, we cut Hundley and Braun for Werth and Paulino. Do you think that was a good trade? He fits our park well and improved our D immensely.
What is killing us? Well, speed is a factor. Giving up a 90% steal rating? Probably some bad luck there, but we arent' going to be good in that category with Hanson and Verlander.
Our slugging has been pathetic before the last couple of series and mostly concentrated into one game a series (except in Yankee) in those. We have to hit for power and clutch. We do have good OB.
On the pitching side Verlander, our supposed horse, has been a .50 guy. RHBs are hitting .318 on him and LHB 251. In fact, every pitcher has been brutal v RHB they're hitting us at a .285 clip. Believe it or not, Zito has the best BA v RHB! :shock: In 41 batters Downs has allowed a .366 average SSS for sure but....
Wilson is 3 for 8 in save situations has a 5.86 ERA and 1.67 whip. And, remember, I'm not playing in Coors.
In short, I can believe what DT and Silver said about this being a .500 team, but no way this is a .333 team. You have to be BAAAAAAD to be that bad. This team may be mediocre, but it doesn't suck. Well, that's what I think. So far they are proving me wrong. :P :(
Jet