SB Nation User Blog: niekromurphy

Winning without power

niekromurphy — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:14:07 -0000

Scenario one: Runners on 1st and 3rd, one out. Non-power hitter A grounds to shortstop for an inning ending double play.

Scenario two: Same situation. Power hitter B hits ball in the air for an out. Runner from 3rd scores. Next hitter singles. Following hitter strikes out.

Let's say that these hitters come up 4 times in a game with the exact same scenarios. A tends to hit the ball on the ground, B tends to hit the ball in the air. Hitter B can strikeout three times and hit a homerun. Or he can strikeout twice, homer and fly out. He would drive in 3 or four runs in these cases. Plus the inning is still alive in both cases.

When I watched the Braves last year, I saw an awful lot of hitter A's. In the scenario I described, it seemed that they usually hit the ball on the ground (or struck out). Since most hitters don't hit 400, they usually did something less than 2 for 4 in those situations. But assuming that they did hit .400 they would be responsible for driving in 2 runs. Again, that's with them hitting .400

This isn't based on stat analysis. This is based upon my observation as a fan that watched a lot of games. The Braves were a station to station team. Not much speed. Not much power. Not much sucess in the scenarios that I described.

There is nothing wrong with a guy who might walk or might get a single. The odds say that it is hard to win when most of your players are that guy.

Manny Acosta

niekromurphy — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:21:50 -0000

I would like to get some feedback on something: It seems like there are quite a few relief pitchers (several closers or former closers) on the market. While starting pitching is the Braves big need, suppose that they signed a high quality closer/set up man and then moved Manny Acosta into the starting rotation. I have heard talk previously of moving Acosta into the rotation. I like his stuff, and I think he might be one of those guys who just does better starting.

What do you think of the idea? If you like it, what free agent reliever should the Braves target to take Acosta's spot in the pen?

Hampton

niekromurphy — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:38:22 -0000

Will anyone try to acquire Hampton in the next few days? Close races, pitching injuries, etc. might mean that a good 5th starter may mean the difference in getting into the playoffs and staying at home. Would the Mets deal for him (or a Braves reliever)? Would anyone besides the Phillies block a deal (if they fell behind the Mets in the standings)? Not sure how the money, waiver, etc. would come into play with a Hampton deal. Any thoughts on the matter?

At the Ted on Sunday

niekromurphy — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:06:24 -0000

I was at Sunday's game. I had a lot of fun catching up with some old college friends. It was nice beating Ben Sheets and Campillo was good as usual. I"m thinking (hoping) that he is more than a one year wonder. I have been really really impressed by him this year.

Saturday Charlie Morton threw a really good game until late. I'm feeling a little better about the outlook for next year.

Stat guys

niekromurphy — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:17:23 -0000

I am I the only one that has had it with the holier than thou attitude of some stat guy types? I occasionally read Firejoemorgan.com sometimes. I agree that that statistical analysis is important and that stats tell a lot of the story. What I don't like is the snarky, we know everything attitude that some stat heads have. To me this a manner of balance. Please don't think this is a shot at everybody who is into stats or the use of stats. It is not at all.

Next Year

niekromurphy — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:59:12 -0000

The last few years with the Braves has seen like a case of trying to piece together a puzzle. Lots of good pieces that don't seem to fit together just right. Some thinking out loud:

KJ at 1st, Prado at 2nd, Escobar SS, Chipper 3rd, Mac C, Blanco CF, Frenchy RF, and a slugger brought in to play left.

Pros: Better up the middle defense, KJ and Frenchy could both have better years . Blanco is developing into a true leadoff man. Escobar could have a breakout season if healthy.

Cons: Someone made the comment that KJ is not the player the organization thinks he is. This may be true. Frenchy may not improve and will always strike out a lot. Chipper will always miss a lot of games due to injury.

To me, something in that equation is missing. Even with a power hitting left fielder, I think they need another power bat from outside the organization. Picking up one power bat in the off season shouldn't be that hard. Picking up two might be. If so, who do you replace, who do you get and how, etc.?