June 03, 2008
He Can Always Play for Dusty Baker
Via Fire Joe Morgan, Jason Varitek complains about his fellow base runners:
"We haven't been able to cash it in very much," catcher Jason Varitek said, "but it puts an extra amount of pressure on the other team, which we haven't been able to do. We've got a lot of big donkeys who clog up the bases."
Varitek may have a valid point here. The Red Sox are hitting well with runners in scoring position, .275 versus .283 overall. The runs created formula, however, says they should be scoring 5.4 runs per game. They're scoring 5.0 per game, second in the AL. Maybe a lack of speed is causing them the leave men on base who should otherwise score.
Jason Varitek shows off his speed heading to third on a ground rule double against the Royals on May 20, 2008.
Photo: Icon SMI
Posted by David Pinto at
03:23 PM
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Didn't their biggest 'donkey' just go on the DL? Other than him, who's the one slowing things down?
Manny, Lowell, Youkilis, Varitek - I've never seen more guys fail to advance more on balls hit to the middle of the infield when they're on 2nd and more guys hold on balls hit through the infield and only move up 1 base.
Bandit,
Oh, so I guess you don't watch the Yankees?
David, what's the SLG with RISP? That might be a better explanation (though I certainly don't discount the speed factor).
Bostons Splits from 2008 show a team that's league average with RISP and above average otherwise.
Not advancing on hits or grounders may not be speed but base running intelligence. If they don't think they can make it then why should they make an out on the base paths?
If you have a hard time getting on base then manufacturing a run might be a good idea. If you have the best BA and OBP, and 2nd best SLG in the league then that last hit you just got won't be your last hit this game.
Fire Joe Morgan has a little piece on this now... they must have an RSS feed for 'Clogging the basepaths.'
Clever little caption you put on that picture there, David. Very subtle.
Not advancing on the bases isn't base running intelligence - it's base running stupidity - tonite Ramirez walks to 3rd on ground ball single up the middle from Varitek - doesn't run or draw throw
Well, if you had your absolute choice, certainly you'd want a team full of guys with power, selectivity AND speed. I'll take nine Rickey Hendersons, Ken Griffey Juniors and Willie Mayses if you got 'em. Short of that, you have to settle. I'll settle for a team of "donkeys" who can get on base and drive the ball. Even if their offense is less "efficient" than it could be, the Sox still score plenty.
Besides, the term is a lot less apt with the 2008 Sox than it was in past years. Now, they've at least got a few guys who can run.
Come on. Ellsbury, Coco, Lugo, Drew. Manny can run too when he wants.
I think it is BO issue. The #1 and # 2 spots have low OBP, 338/327 compared to 2007 329/384. Runs scored in the 1st, when you have the #1 hitter leading off is down to 0.47 RPG from 0.68 RPG (courtesy of BR). OBP in the 1st inning down from 388 last year to 340 this year. Probably just SSS that would even out, although Papi's injury does not bode well.
