Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
April 30, 2002
Soriano and Hillenbrand:

On April 1st, I commented that Soriano was not the Yankees best choice for a leadoff man. However, Soriano has put up a great leadoff OBA of .385. He's walked more, drawing four. That's still not a lot, but he didn't get his fourth walk until June last year. I don't think I was wrong, totally wrong, however. Soriano is great at getting hits, and getting extra bases with those hits. That's a sign of an RBI man, not a leadoff man. I don't think Soriano's BA will stay at these lofty levels, but his power seems to be real. His stats really scream number five hitter at me.

Earlier, I also commented on Shea Hillenbrand being more patient at the plate. This has payed off in 7 walks for Shea, a level he didn't achieve until July last year. Rob Neyer notes in this column that the Expos are walking more. I noted earlier that the Royals are walking more. It seems plate discipline can be taught. Imagine how good Ichiro will be if he learns to take pitches in the dirt and over his head.


Posted by David Pinto at 03:44 PM | Baseball