Quote:
Originally Posted by I Only Smoke 4 the Cards
Strikeouts also don't induce double plays.
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I gotta think it's probably at least semi quantifiable to best determine/estimate a break even point for this... Strikeouts vs possibility/rate of hitting into DP, and then calculate an expected run differential based on those two outcomes. I've also got a hunch that even a relatively small increase in strikeouts, and accompanying potential for double plays, is offset by the potential outcomes/gains of putting the ball in play- sac flies, advancing runners, etc. These high strikeout guys just add so much value when they do hit the ball- with extra base hits, RBIs, that it clearly justifies their presence in a lineup.
I don't doubt the value in these free swinging mashers, but I really prefer the total package.. complete hitters like Joe D, Ted Williams, even Mattingly in his prime. They didn't strikeout at all compared to today's numbers.. And to a lesser degree (than these greats) the ability to put bat on ball without sacrificing power was so much more common in the past. Sure pitchers throw harder now, and there are more power arms out of the bullpen, but there was a time that power hitters (with exception of very few) didn't strike out more than a 100 times.. And often far fewer. Anyway, as said, it seems it's just the way it is now.
Separately-- I think one of the single most undervalued aspects in baseball is base running. Seems there's no real stats to measure guys who can take the extra base, but that extra base is huge!! It's a good as a steal, and/or as valuable as doubling your slugging % (following a single), yet doesn't seem to be tracked. Whether it's speed, or the ability to quickly read batted balls and/or outfielders.. If you can take an extra base and score one batter sooner (hit/sac fly/etc.) than it would've taken otherwise, the team chances of scoring go up hugely (based on each batter's rate of failure). If I'm a GM and looking for OBP guys, I'd also want to quantify what they do once on base.