May 02, 2002
Boone Swoon:
Last year, one of the most lively points for discussion on BBTN Online was Bret Boone, and whether his season represented a real improvement in his ability, or if it was a fluke. Supporting the real improvement side, Boone didn't let up. Even got better as the season progressed. Also in support of the real side was Boone's increased bulk. On the fluke side was Boone's career, which was basically unremarkable, and the fact he was in a free agent year. Also, supporting the fluke argument was the lack of interest in him as a free agent, although that may have more to do with baseball economics and the labor situation.
Right now, the flukes are winning. Through last night (May 1) Boone is batting .214, with a .270 OBA and a .357 slugging percentage. I wonder how long Lou will stick with him in the #3 slot. I worried last year when Lou started using Boone batting 3rd, thinking he was going to decline. That never happened, but it is now, and the third slot is a bad place to have an unproductive hitter.
Posted by David Pinto at
07:16 AM
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Baseball