I am going to lay out some hitting stats for four of the Fightins:

Player A:  0on/0out: .183; bases empty: .215; RISP: .340; RISP/2out: .414

Player B: 0on/0out: .201; bases empty: .230; RISP: .308; bases loaded: .571

Player C:  0on/0out: .339; bases empty: .332; RISP: .159; RISP/2outs: .107

Player D: 0on/0out: .368; bases empty: .302; RISP: .274; RISP/2outs: .371

Now, with those players, You would think that Players A and B would NEVER be at the top of the line-up card, right? They are clearly middle of the lineup run producers, right?  And Player C and to a lesser extent, D, would be ideal leadoff hitters, and not so much counted on to drive in runs, right? 

Well, clearly, you are NOT Charles Fuqua Manuel.  Player A is Rollins, Player B is Victorino, C is Werth and D is Plonaco.  You see, our leadoff types are our WORST bases empty hitters, and I say this as I just watched Rollins lead off an inning by popping up, and Victorino following with a weak grounder. And moments ago, Werth grounded out weakly with that runner on third and 2 out.

Good managers/coaches put their players - as Andy Reid is fond of repeating ad nauseum - in a position to succeed.  Uncle Charley puts HIS players in a position where they RARELY succeed.

See you next year!

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