Saturday, October 29, 2011
The New Blog
Hey guys! This is Alex from The Homerun Porch. Like I said I moved the blog here because I wanted a better url and title for the blog. I'm gonna make this the best baseball blog that I possibly can and I hope you enjoy it. Also, from now on I will have my first name which is Alex as my username. Again, thanks for checking out the blog!
Congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Last night the St. Louis Cardinals clinched their 11th world series title. The series was nothing short of awesome. Game 6 was perhaps the most exciting baseball game of all time. Hometown kid David Freese had a heck of a game, hitting the game tying triple in the ninth and then the walkoff two innings later. Overall, he had a great world series and playoffs in general. His NLCS and world series MVP are a testament to that.
In game two Derek Holland pitched one of the best games that I've ever seen in a playoff game. He went 8.1 innings, walked 2, struck out 7 and had a 2.07 FIP. Keep in mind I'm only 18 but still he pitched a gem.
How can we forget about Pujols? He had one of the best games ever in the world series. He went 5-6 with three home runs. He is only the third player ever to do that in the game. The other two are Babe Ruth (twice) and Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson. Not a bad class to be in.
The other four games were really good as well but those two really stuck out to me.
In the end this series came down to both bullpens due to the struggles of both team's starting pitchers. C.J. Wilson had a really rough series but going in to free agency it shouldn't affect him to much because of the small sample size. Chris Carpenter really stepped up when he was needed last night. He pitched 6 strong innings with 2 walks, 6 strike outs and only 2 earned runs all on three days rest.
All in all this was a great series. Both teams played very well but in the end only one team can win and last night it was the St. Louis Cardinals.
In the mean time I will try and put some posts up about free agency and as we get closer to the season I will do some team evaluations. In the mean time, The St. Louis Cardinals are the champions of major league baseball.
Until next time,
Mauerfan
In game two Derek Holland pitched one of the best games that I've ever seen in a playoff game. He went 8.1 innings, walked 2, struck out 7 and had a 2.07 FIP. Keep in mind I'm only 18 but still he pitched a gem.
How can we forget about Pujols? He had one of the best games ever in the world series. He went 5-6 with three home runs. He is only the third player ever to do that in the game. The other two are Babe Ruth (twice) and Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson. Not a bad class to be in.
The other four games were really good as well but those two really stuck out to me.
In the end this series came down to both bullpens due to the struggles of both team's starting pitchers. C.J. Wilson had a really rough series but going in to free agency it shouldn't affect him to much because of the small sample size. Chris Carpenter really stepped up when he was needed last night. He pitched 6 strong innings with 2 walks, 6 strike outs and only 2 earned runs all on three days rest.
All in all this was a great series. Both teams played very well but in the end only one team can win and last night it was the St. Louis Cardinals.
In the mean time I will try and put some posts up about free agency and as we get closer to the season I will do some team evaluations. In the mean time, The St. Louis Cardinals are the champions of major league baseball.
Until next time,
Mauerfan
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Game Three Preview
Tonight in the third game of the World Series Kyle Lohse is set to face off against Matt Harrison. The line-up for the visiting St. Louis Cardinals is:
Furcal Bats Both, as R vs L:
8.5 BB%
9.6 K%
.115 ISO
.237 BABIP
84 wRC+
Craig Bats R vs L:
4.3 BB%
17.1 K%
.343 ISO
.320 BABIP
.424 wOBA
175 wRC+ (SSS)
Pujols Bats R vs L:
7.3 BB%
9.7 K%
.313 ISO
.255 BABIP
.392 wOBA
153 wRC+
Holliday Bats R vs L:
20 BB%
18.2 K%
.209 ISO
.290 BABIP
.387 wOBA
149 wRC+
Berkman Bats Both, as L vs R:
8 BB%
18.8 K%
.178 ISO
.316 BABIP
.353 wOBA
126 wRC+
Freese Bats R vs L:
7.1 BB%
16.7 K%
.160 ISO
.383 BABIP
.389 wOBA
150 wRC+
Molina Bats R vs L:
13.4 BB%
10.1 K%
.176 ISO
.291 BABIP
.366 wOBA
135 wRC+
Jay Bats L vs L:
5.8 BB%
15.4 K%
.106 ISO
.333 BABIP
.320 wOBA
103 wRC+
Theriot Bats R vs L:
5.8 BB%
5.8 K%
.103 ISO
.331 BABIP
.339 wOBA
116 wRC+
When Harrison is facing lefties he posts much better stats. He has a 3.38 FIP, 19.8 K%, 5.8 BB% but he also gives up more home runs, .84 HR/9. When facing lefties he has a higher GB%, 51.3% and a lower FB%, 26.9%. Against righties he struggles a little more. His FIP is 3.57 he has a 15 K% and 8 BB%. He does give up less home runs though, .54 HR/9. His 46 GB% is lower then when he faces lefties but his 34.3 FB% is higher. The Cardinals line-up is stacked with right handed hitters who mash lefties so it wouldn't be surprising to see if he struggled tonight.
The line-up for the Texas Rangers is:
Kinsler Bats R vs R:
11.6 BB%
9.9 K%
.213 ISO
.245 BABIP
.357 wOBA
119 wRC+
Andrus Bats R vs R:
8.2 BB%
11.5 K%
.083 ISO
.314 BABIP
.316 wOBA
92 wRC+
Hamilton Bats L vs R:
8.6 BB%
15.4 K%
.220 ISO
.336 BABIP
.377 wOBA
133 wRC+
Young Bats R vs R:
6.9 BB%
11.2 K%
.135 ISO
.354 BABIP
.362 wOBA
122 wRC+
Beltre Bats R vs R:
3.3 BB%
10.8 K%
.234 ISO
.274 BABIP
.357 wOBA
119 wRC+
Cruz Bats R vs R:
5.7 BB%
24.3 K%
.216 ISO
.268 BABIP
.323 wOBA
96 wRC+
Napoli Bats R vs R:
12.1 BB%
18.5 K%
.316 ISO
.335 BABIP
.443 wOBA
178 wRC+
Murphy Bats L vs R:
7.5 BB%
13.4 K%
.165 ISO
.316 BABIP
.350 wOBA
115 wRC+
Torrealba Bats R vs R:
4.4 BB%
16.7 K%
.154 ISO
.317 BABIP
.324 wOBA
96 wRC+
Kyle Lohse is a pretty solid pitcher. Against righties and lefties he posts pretty similar stats. Against righties he posts a 3.66 FIP and a 3.68 FIP against lefties. His xFIP against righties is 3.98 and against lefties it's 4.10. Against righties he has a 13.5 K% and a 5 BB%. He can give up home runs, he had a .78 HR/9 versus righties. Against lefties he has a 15.3 K% and a 5.9 BB%, almost identical when he faces righties. Against lefties he gives up .75 HR/9, again almost identical to righties. Cruz really struggles against righties and Hamilton is hurt so Lohse might have a slight advantage but Young, Cruz, Beltre and Napoli crush righties. Lohse is a solid pitcher but Texas' line-up doesn't struggle too bad against right handed pitchers.
I think the low scoring affair ends tonight, the bullpens should have a big factor. I'm not sure if Ogando is available tonight but he may be needed if Harrison blows up. Same goes for Jake Westbrook of the Cardinals.
If you want you can follow a WPA graph that I will try to get up around game time. You can use these to see how certain moments in the game affect the probability of the Rangers or Cardinals winning. It's pretty cool, if I don't get it up in time you can see them at Fangraphs under the scoreboard tab.
Furcal Bats Both, as R vs L:
8.5 BB%
9.6 K%
.115 ISO
.237 BABIP
84 wRC+
Craig Bats R vs L:
4.3 BB%
17.1 K%
.343 ISO
.320 BABIP
.424 wOBA
175 wRC+ (SSS)
Pujols Bats R vs L:
7.3 BB%
9.7 K%
.313 ISO
.255 BABIP
.392 wOBA
153 wRC+
Holliday Bats R vs L:
20 BB%
18.2 K%
.209 ISO
.290 BABIP
.387 wOBA
149 wRC+
Berkman Bats Both, as L vs R:
8 BB%
18.8 K%
.178 ISO
.316 BABIP
.353 wOBA
126 wRC+
Freese Bats R vs L:
7.1 BB%
16.7 K%
.160 ISO
.383 BABIP
.389 wOBA
150 wRC+
Molina Bats R vs L:
13.4 BB%
10.1 K%
.176 ISO
.291 BABIP
.366 wOBA
135 wRC+
Jay Bats L vs L:
5.8 BB%
15.4 K%
.106 ISO
.333 BABIP
.320 wOBA
103 wRC+
Theriot Bats R vs L:
5.8 BB%
5.8 K%
.103 ISO
.331 BABIP
.339 wOBA
116 wRC+
When Harrison is facing lefties he posts much better stats. He has a 3.38 FIP, 19.8 K%, 5.8 BB% but he also gives up more home runs, .84 HR/9. When facing lefties he has a higher GB%, 51.3% and a lower FB%, 26.9%. Against righties he struggles a little more. His FIP is 3.57 he has a 15 K% and 8 BB%. He does give up less home runs though, .54 HR/9. His 46 GB% is lower then when he faces lefties but his 34.3 FB% is higher. The Cardinals line-up is stacked with right handed hitters who mash lefties so it wouldn't be surprising to see if he struggled tonight.
The line-up for the Texas Rangers is:
Kinsler Bats R vs R:
11.6 BB%
9.9 K%
.213 ISO
.245 BABIP
.357 wOBA
119 wRC+
Andrus Bats R vs R:
8.2 BB%
11.5 K%
.083 ISO
.314 BABIP
.316 wOBA
92 wRC+
Hamilton Bats L vs R:
8.6 BB%
15.4 K%
.220 ISO
.336 BABIP
.377 wOBA
133 wRC+
Young Bats R vs R:
6.9 BB%
11.2 K%
.135 ISO
.354 BABIP
.362 wOBA
122 wRC+
Beltre Bats R vs R:
3.3 BB%
10.8 K%
.234 ISO
.274 BABIP
.357 wOBA
119 wRC+
Cruz Bats R vs R:
5.7 BB%
24.3 K%
.216 ISO
.268 BABIP
.323 wOBA
96 wRC+
Napoli Bats R vs R:
12.1 BB%
18.5 K%
.316 ISO
.335 BABIP
.443 wOBA
178 wRC+
Murphy Bats L vs R:
7.5 BB%
13.4 K%
.165 ISO
.316 BABIP
.350 wOBA
115 wRC+
Torrealba Bats R vs R:
4.4 BB%
16.7 K%
.154 ISO
.317 BABIP
.324 wOBA
96 wRC+
Kyle Lohse is a pretty solid pitcher. Against righties and lefties he posts pretty similar stats. Against righties he posts a 3.66 FIP and a 3.68 FIP against lefties. His xFIP against righties is 3.98 and against lefties it's 4.10. Against righties he has a 13.5 K% and a 5 BB%. He can give up home runs, he had a .78 HR/9 versus righties. Against lefties he has a 15.3 K% and a 5.9 BB%, almost identical when he faces righties. Against lefties he gives up .75 HR/9, again almost identical to righties. Cruz really struggles against righties and Hamilton is hurt so Lohse might have a slight advantage but Young, Cruz, Beltre and Napoli crush righties. Lohse is a solid pitcher but Texas' line-up doesn't struggle too bad against right handed pitchers.
I think the low scoring affair ends tonight, the bullpens should have a big factor. I'm not sure if Ogando is available tonight but he may be needed if Harrison blows up. Same goes for Jake Westbrook of the Cardinals.
If you want you can follow a WPA graph that I will try to get up around game time. You can use these to see how certain moments in the game affect the probability of the Rangers or Cardinals winning. It's pretty cool, if I don't get it up in time you can see them at Fangraphs under the scoreboard tab.
New Blog Name
Lately I've been trying to think of a new name for the blog because I feel like "The Homerun Porch" isn't the best. If anyone has any ideas feel free to put a comment with your idea.
-Mauerfan
-Mauerfan
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
World Series: Final Evaluation
Overall, I think the Rangers will win the World Series. I believe their line-up and bullpen are better then the Cardinals. 1-9 the Rangers are deeper, the last few batters in the Cardinals line-up aren't that good and can't be counted on when it matters. Plus the Rangers have the better bench. Ogando and Feliz give the Rangers' bullpen the edge over St. Louis.
While I do think the Cardinals have the better pitching rotation I'm not sure they can keep the Rangers in check. Carpenter should do solid against the Rangers but the other three worry me.
As a team the Rangers had a 60.6 WAR, only the second team since the '98 Yankees to have a team WAR over 60 and make the World Series. When it's all said and done I think the Rangers win the series 4-1, with the Cardinals winning game one with Carpenter on the hill and then losing the second time he pitches.
While I do think the Cardinals have the better pitching rotation I'm not sure they can keep the Rangers in check. Carpenter should do solid against the Rangers but the other three worry me.
As a team the Rangers had a 60.6 WAR, only the second team since the '98 Yankees to have a team WAR over 60 and make the World Series. When it's all said and done I think the Rangers win the series 4-1, with the Cardinals winning game one with Carpenter on the hill and then losing the second time he pitches.
World Series: Rotation and Bullpen
Tonight the Texas Rangers will send out C.J. Wilson to face off against Chris Carpenter of the Cardinals. Let's take a look at each team's rotation.
First off, the Texas Rangers.
1) C.J. Wilson 3.24 FIP, 22.5 K%, 8.1 BB%, .64 HR/9 5.9 WAR
This season C.J. Wilson was one of the games better pitchers. He can pile up the strikeouts, almost striking out 25% of the batters he sees. He doesn't walk much either. He also does a very good job at keeping the ball in the ballpark. His 3.24 FIP was one of the better ones in the league as well.
2) Derek Holland 3.94 FIP, 19.2 K% 8.0 BB% 1 HR/9 3.6 WAR
Holland is a solid pitcher, he's always been very good at striking people out. The thing that concerned people were the walks. His walks will probably always be high but if he can keep his strikeouts high and his FIP relatively low he should be alright.
3) Colby Lewis 4.54 FIP 20.1 K% 6.1 BB% 1.57 HR/9 2.3 WAR
Lewis is a solid pitcher, last year he was one of the games more surprising comeback stories. This year he struggled a little. His problem isn't walking to many batters, it's giving up the long ball. With Pujols, Berkman and Holliday playing for St. Louis those home runs problems probably won't get solved.
4) Matt Harrison 3.52 FIP 16.3 K% 7.4 BB% .63 HR/9 4.2 WAR
Harrison finally put together a solid season for the Rangers. There really isn't much that he did bad this season. His 3.52 FIP is solid. He's a groundball pitcher for the most part so he doesn't give up many home runs.
Bullpen:
Scott Feldman 3.99 FIP 17.1 K% 7.8 BB% .84 HR/9
Alexi Ogando 3.65 FIP 18.2 K% 6.2 BB% .85 HR/9 4.4 WAR
Mike Adams 2.47 FIP 26.7 K% 5.1 BB% .61 HR/9 1.8 WAR
Neftali Feliz 3.57 FIP 21.4 K% 11.9 BB% .58 HR/9 1 WAR
The Rangers have some really good members in their bullpen, Ogando was a starter for most of the year so that's why his numbers are so different. Adam's K% is really nice to see but Feliz's BB% is somewhat disturbing. Overall their bullpen is really solid.
Now, the St. Louis Cardinals
1) Chris Carpenter 3.06 FIP 19.2 K% 5.5 BB% .61 HR/9 5 WAR
Chris Carpenter is a stud. After being hurt the last two years have been really good, there's not much to say. He's really good.
2) Jaime Garcia 3.23 FIP 18.9 K% 6.1 BB% .69 HR/9 3.6 WAR
After coming out of nowhere last season Garcia put together another nice season. He will have a challenge versus the Rangers but he has the talent to have a good outing or two.
3) Edwin Jackson 3.55 FIP 17.2 K% 7.2 BB% .72 HR/9 3.8 WAR
He may not be the most consistent pitcher but Edwin Jackson is pretty solid. Maybe getting traded to the Cardinals and working with one of the game's best pitching coaches in Dave Duncan helped. Who knows but posted some solid numbers this season.
4) Kyle Lohse 3.67 FIP 14.3 K% 5.4 BB% .76 HR/9 2.5 WAR
Lohse is a nice pitcher in his own right. He isn't a star but he does some good things. His 3.67 FIP is solid and he doesn't give up home runs. Assuming he's the fourth pitcher in their rotation that's really good.
Bullpen:
Octavio Dotel: 3.23 FIP 28.4 K% 7.8 BB% 1 HR/9 .9 WAR
Mitchel Boggs: 3.44 FIP 18.5 K% 8.1 BB% .59 HR/9 .3 WAR
Jake Westbrook: 4.25 FIP 12.9 K% 9 BB% .79 HR/9 1.1 WAR
Fernando Salas: 3.16 FIP 25.4 K% 7.1 BB% .84 HR/9 1 WAR
Salas had a very good season, striking out over 25% of the batters he faced. Dotel has been amazing this postseason and had a good regular season. I didn't post everyone in the bullpen but they do have a solid one.
Overall, I'd take the Cardinals rotation. The deciding factor was Lohse and Lewis for me. Lohse had the better FIP and he was better overall but if the Cardinals want to win the World Series their rotation will have to do much better then they did last series.
I'd take Texas' bullpen over St. Louis because it's deeper in my opinion and has better options.
Stay tuned for my final overall evaluation!
First off, the Texas Rangers.
1) C.J. Wilson 3.24 FIP, 22.5 K%, 8.1 BB%, .64 HR/9 5.9 WAR
This season C.J. Wilson was one of the games better pitchers. He can pile up the strikeouts, almost striking out 25% of the batters he sees. He doesn't walk much either. He also does a very good job at keeping the ball in the ballpark. His 3.24 FIP was one of the better ones in the league as well.
2) Derek Holland 3.94 FIP, 19.2 K% 8.0 BB% 1 HR/9 3.6 WAR
Holland is a solid pitcher, he's always been very good at striking people out. The thing that concerned people were the walks. His walks will probably always be high but if he can keep his strikeouts high and his FIP relatively low he should be alright.
3) Colby Lewis 4.54 FIP 20.1 K% 6.1 BB% 1.57 HR/9 2.3 WAR
Lewis is a solid pitcher, last year he was one of the games more surprising comeback stories. This year he struggled a little. His problem isn't walking to many batters, it's giving up the long ball. With Pujols, Berkman and Holliday playing for St. Louis those home runs problems probably won't get solved.
4) Matt Harrison 3.52 FIP 16.3 K% 7.4 BB% .63 HR/9 4.2 WAR
Harrison finally put together a solid season for the Rangers. There really isn't much that he did bad this season. His 3.52 FIP is solid. He's a groundball pitcher for the most part so he doesn't give up many home runs.
Bullpen:
Scott Feldman 3.99 FIP 17.1 K% 7.8 BB% .84 HR/9
Alexi Ogando 3.65 FIP 18.2 K% 6.2 BB% .85 HR/9 4.4 WAR
Mike Adams 2.47 FIP 26.7 K% 5.1 BB% .61 HR/9 1.8 WAR
Neftali Feliz 3.57 FIP 21.4 K% 11.9 BB% .58 HR/9 1 WAR
The Rangers have some really good members in their bullpen, Ogando was a starter for most of the year so that's why his numbers are so different. Adam's K% is really nice to see but Feliz's BB% is somewhat disturbing. Overall their bullpen is really solid.
Now, the St. Louis Cardinals
1) Chris Carpenter 3.06 FIP 19.2 K% 5.5 BB% .61 HR/9 5 WAR
Chris Carpenter is a stud. After being hurt the last two years have been really good, there's not much to say. He's really good.
2) Jaime Garcia 3.23 FIP 18.9 K% 6.1 BB% .69 HR/9 3.6 WAR
After coming out of nowhere last season Garcia put together another nice season. He will have a challenge versus the Rangers but he has the talent to have a good outing or two.
3) Edwin Jackson 3.55 FIP 17.2 K% 7.2 BB% .72 HR/9 3.8 WAR
He may not be the most consistent pitcher but Edwin Jackson is pretty solid. Maybe getting traded to the Cardinals and working with one of the game's best pitching coaches in Dave Duncan helped. Who knows but posted some solid numbers this season.
4) Kyle Lohse 3.67 FIP 14.3 K% 5.4 BB% .76 HR/9 2.5 WAR
Lohse is a nice pitcher in his own right. He isn't a star but he does some good things. His 3.67 FIP is solid and he doesn't give up home runs. Assuming he's the fourth pitcher in their rotation that's really good.
Bullpen:
Octavio Dotel: 3.23 FIP 28.4 K% 7.8 BB% 1 HR/9 .9 WAR
Mitchel Boggs: 3.44 FIP 18.5 K% 8.1 BB% .59 HR/9 .3 WAR
Jake Westbrook: 4.25 FIP 12.9 K% 9 BB% .79 HR/9 1.1 WAR
Fernando Salas: 3.16 FIP 25.4 K% 7.1 BB% .84 HR/9 1 WAR
Salas had a very good season, striking out over 25% of the batters he faced. Dotel has been amazing this postseason and had a good regular season. I didn't post everyone in the bullpen but they do have a solid one.
Overall, I'd take the Cardinals rotation. The deciding factor was Lohse and Lewis for me. Lohse had the better FIP and he was better overall but if the Cardinals want to win the World Series their rotation will have to do much better then they did last series.
I'd take Texas' bullpen over St. Louis because it's deeper in my opinion and has better options.
Stay tuned for my final overall evaluation!
World Series: Line-ups.
Tonight at 7:05 PM central time the World Series begins. And I can't wait. Facing off in the World Series are the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals. Both top offenses in the league this year. In this article I will be comparing the two teams and giving my opinion on who I think has the better line-up. My slash lines will consist of ISO, wOBA and wRC+. I will also include WAR.
First off the Texas Rangers.
Ian Kinsler: .233/.370/128 7.7 WAR
Ian Kinsler is not your prototypical lead-off man. He hits for power which you normally don't see in a lead-off guy. He has solid speed, he stole 30 bases throughout the year. He has an above average eye at the plate, walking 12.3% of the time and striking out only 9.8% of the time. As you can see in his slash line he also gets on base an exceptional amount of the time. While he isn't what you think of when you hear lead-off hitter he's very good at what he does.
Elvis Andrus: .082/.323/96 4.5 WAR
Andrus' stats don't exactly jump out at you. He has very good speed, stealing 37 bases. His eye at the plate is above average. He walks 8.4% of the time and strikes out 11.1% of the time. Like I said, he isn't really a producer on offense, his value comes mostly from his defense but for hitting number two he does somethings well.
Josh Hamilton: .238/.371/129 4.2 WAR
What's there to say? Hamilton is a straight beast. He hits for power, he gets on base, he defends, he has a good eye. The only thing he doesn't do is run but he doesn't need to.
Michael Young: .136/.369/127 3.8 WAR
Young is one of the underrated offensive players in baseball in my mind. He isn't a star but he's one of those guys that knows how to play baseball. He doesn't strike out a lot, only 11.3% this year, has modest power, .136 and can get on base. What more can you ask for?
Adrian Beltre: .265/.379/134 5.7 WAR
So much for only performing in contract years. After signing a long term deal with the Rangers in the off-season Beltre has been wrecking the baseball. Not only does he have ridiculous power but he also has patience at the plate walking 4.8% of the time, a little low but he only struck out 10.1% of the time. Just what you want for a fifth hitter.
Mike Napoli: .312/.444/178 5.6 WAR
This year was a breakout year for Napoli for sure. He's always had good power but this year he really flashed it. He has a great eye, walking 13.4% of the time and striking out only 19.7% of the time. His OBP was a career best, .414. I bet the Angels are pretty upset that they traded him.
Nelson "Nellie" Cruz: .246/.352/116 1.6 WAR
On offense Cruz is a beast, one thing that is a problem is that he strikes out a lot, 22.6% of the time. He has power but could bring his OBP up a bit. His defense is pretty poor, hurting his WAR. This postseason he's been a beast though so don't be surprised if he moves up.
David Murphy: .196/.319/96 1.1 WAR
Murphy is pretty much the prototypical replacement player. He's an average offensive player and sub-average defensive player. He doesn't strike out and gets his share of walks. He doesn't do anything great but he's someone who can come off the bench.
Endy Chavez: .125/.325/98 1.5 WAR
Chavez, like Murphy is also a basic replacement player. He can get on much, hit for some power, play league average defense. He isn't an everyday player but someone I'd take without complaining.
Some other players to watch in the series: Mitch Moreland, Yorvit Torrealba.
Now for the home team, the St. Louis Cardinals.
Rafael Furcal: .117/.288/84 .5 WAR
Furcal has been injury plagued the last couple of seasons and has been a shell of his formal self. He's really not that good anymore.
Jon Jay: .127/.333/112 2.8 WAR
A lot of people like Jay in St. Louis. He can be a solid OF in the majors if he can keep the job. He can get on base and doesn't strike out. His defensive hasn't proven to be the best but that's a SSS. He isn't quite as good as his numbers suggest due to his .340 BABIP but he has the potential to be decent.
Albert Pujols .242/.385/148 5.1 WAR
He wasn't even completely healthy all year and he a really good. He's a machine. Need I say more?
Lance Berkman: .246/.402/159 5 WAR
Talk about a comeback year. After the end of last season everyone thought he was done. Guess we were wrong. Berkman always had a good eye at the plate and an exceptional OBP. He also has always had amazing strength, but you should know that already. With Pujols and Berkman hitting 3-4 I'd be nervous if I was Texas.
Matt Holliday:.226/.398/140 5 WAR
What's there to say? He's one of the game's better OF. He gets on base, has power, can defend, the only thing he can't do is run. With Pujols, Berkman and Holliday 3-4-5 the Rangers will have their hands full for sure.
David Freese: .144/348/122 2.7 WAR
Freese is one of those guys that can do a variety of things for your club. For a bottom of the line-up guy he can hit for some power, get on base and play league average defense. He'll never be a star but for a bottom half of the line-up guy he isn't bad.
Yadier Molina: .160/.349/123 4.1
Molina is one of the game's better catchers. While he isn't known for his offense as much as his glove he's still a very solid hitter. He does a good job at getting on base and has above average power. Most of the teams in baseball would take this guy in a heartbeat.
Nick Punto: .143/.350/123 1.8 WAR
No, Punto isn't that good of an offensive player. He only played in 66 games. If you don't already know, he's a horrible offensive player. Horrible may be an understatement. Most of his value comes from his defense. He's one of those guys that you put in during the 8th or 9th inning with a slim lead.
Allan Craig: .240/.399/158 2.6 WAR
Craig may look like he's really good, but again SSS. His .344 BABIP was also ridiculously high. He may be a solid player but I don't know enough about him. As a bench player though he looks good.
Others to watch: Skip Schumaker
I know I did not include a pitcher in the line-ups but honestly you all should know that pitchers don't do anything of significance really at the plate.
Overall I believe that Texas has the better line-up. Their 1-9 is much more balanced and they have some other bench players who are really solid. St. Louis has some really good players hitting 3-5 but again 1-9 I'd take Texas. Stay tuned for my evaluation of the pitching staffs and my overall team evaluation!
First off the Texas Rangers.
Ian Kinsler: .233/.370/128 7.7 WAR
Ian Kinsler is not your prototypical lead-off man. He hits for power which you normally don't see in a lead-off guy. He has solid speed, he stole 30 bases throughout the year. He has an above average eye at the plate, walking 12.3% of the time and striking out only 9.8% of the time. As you can see in his slash line he also gets on base an exceptional amount of the time. While he isn't what you think of when you hear lead-off hitter he's very good at what he does.
Elvis Andrus: .082/.323/96 4.5 WAR
Andrus' stats don't exactly jump out at you. He has very good speed, stealing 37 bases. His eye at the plate is above average. He walks 8.4% of the time and strikes out 11.1% of the time. Like I said, he isn't really a producer on offense, his value comes mostly from his defense but for hitting number two he does somethings well.
Josh Hamilton: .238/.371/129 4.2 WAR
What's there to say? Hamilton is a straight beast. He hits for power, he gets on base, he defends, he has a good eye. The only thing he doesn't do is run but he doesn't need to.
Michael Young: .136/.369/127 3.8 WAR
Young is one of the underrated offensive players in baseball in my mind. He isn't a star but he's one of those guys that knows how to play baseball. He doesn't strike out a lot, only 11.3% this year, has modest power, .136 and can get on base. What more can you ask for?
Adrian Beltre: .265/.379/134 5.7 WAR
So much for only performing in contract years. After signing a long term deal with the Rangers in the off-season Beltre has been wrecking the baseball. Not only does he have ridiculous power but he also has patience at the plate walking 4.8% of the time, a little low but he only struck out 10.1% of the time. Just what you want for a fifth hitter.
Mike Napoli: .312/.444/178 5.6 WAR
This year was a breakout year for Napoli for sure. He's always had good power but this year he really flashed it. He has a great eye, walking 13.4% of the time and striking out only 19.7% of the time. His OBP was a career best, .414. I bet the Angels are pretty upset that they traded him.
Nelson "Nellie" Cruz: .246/.352/116 1.6 WAR
On offense Cruz is a beast, one thing that is a problem is that he strikes out a lot, 22.6% of the time. He has power but could bring his OBP up a bit. His defense is pretty poor, hurting his WAR. This postseason he's been a beast though so don't be surprised if he moves up.
David Murphy: .196/.319/96 1.1 WAR
Murphy is pretty much the prototypical replacement player. He's an average offensive player and sub-average defensive player. He doesn't strike out and gets his share of walks. He doesn't do anything great but he's someone who can come off the bench.
Endy Chavez: .125/.325/98 1.5 WAR
Chavez, like Murphy is also a basic replacement player. He can get on much, hit for some power, play league average defense. He isn't an everyday player but someone I'd take without complaining.
Some other players to watch in the series: Mitch Moreland, Yorvit Torrealba.
Now for the home team, the St. Louis Cardinals.
Rafael Furcal: .117/.288/84 .5 WAR
Furcal has been injury plagued the last couple of seasons and has been a shell of his formal self. He's really not that good anymore.
Jon Jay: .127/.333/112 2.8 WAR
A lot of people like Jay in St. Louis. He can be a solid OF in the majors if he can keep the job. He can get on base and doesn't strike out. His defensive hasn't proven to be the best but that's a SSS. He isn't quite as good as his numbers suggest due to his .340 BABIP but he has the potential to be decent.
Albert Pujols .242/.385/148 5.1 WAR
He wasn't even completely healthy all year and he a really good. He's a machine. Need I say more?
Lance Berkman: .246/.402/159 5 WAR
Talk about a comeback year. After the end of last season everyone thought he was done. Guess we were wrong. Berkman always had a good eye at the plate and an exceptional OBP. He also has always had amazing strength, but you should know that already. With Pujols and Berkman hitting 3-4 I'd be nervous if I was Texas.
Matt Holliday:.226/.398/140 5 WAR
What's there to say? He's one of the game's better OF. He gets on base, has power, can defend, the only thing he can't do is run. With Pujols, Berkman and Holliday 3-4-5 the Rangers will have their hands full for sure.
David Freese: .144/348/122 2.7 WAR
Freese is one of those guys that can do a variety of things for your club. For a bottom of the line-up guy he can hit for some power, get on base and play league average defense. He'll never be a star but for a bottom half of the line-up guy he isn't bad.
Yadier Molina: .160/.349/123 4.1
Molina is one of the game's better catchers. While he isn't known for his offense as much as his glove he's still a very solid hitter. He does a good job at getting on base and has above average power. Most of the teams in baseball would take this guy in a heartbeat.
Nick Punto: .143/.350/123 1.8 WAR
No, Punto isn't that good of an offensive player. He only played in 66 games. If you don't already know, he's a horrible offensive player. Horrible may be an understatement. Most of his value comes from his defense. He's one of those guys that you put in during the 8th or 9th inning with a slim lead.
Allan Craig: .240/.399/158 2.6 WAR
Craig may look like he's really good, but again SSS. His .344 BABIP was also ridiculously high. He may be a solid player but I don't know enough about him. As a bench player though he looks good.
Others to watch: Skip Schumaker
I know I did not include a pitcher in the line-ups but honestly you all should know that pitchers don't do anything of significance really at the plate.
Overall I believe that Texas has the better line-up. Their 1-9 is much more balanced and they have some other bench players who are really solid. St. Louis has some really good players hitting 3-5 but again 1-9 I'd take Texas. Stay tuned for my evaluation of the pitching staffs and my overall team evaluation!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)