February 15, 2009
One and Two
Jerry Manuel is thinking of batting Luis Castillo in the leadoff spot with Jose Reyes batting second. At this point in their career the two own similar OBAs. Reyes, however, possesses more power, which is more useful with someone on base in front of him.
Posted by David Pinto at
09:53 AM
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It also ruins the chance of the following happening to start the game off:
1) Reyes singles/walks, steals 2B
2) Moves Reyes to 3B with sac bunt/fly or hit to 2B side
3) Scores Reyes with sac or hit
Now, If Castillo gets on, while Reyes' hitting could drive him in (any XBH could realistically score Castillo), a single or walk strands Reyes on 1B with Castillo on 2B, not only decreasing the chance for Reyes to swipe 2B and create an extra run opportunity, but it also leaves open the possibility of the #3 hitting into a DP.
I wonder if the run opportunities created by Reyes leading off and stealing are really less than the run opportunities created by Castillo singling or walking and standing on 1B (since he isn't good at much else) while Reyes bats.
Eh.... I suppose it's always best to have someone that can consistently get XBH be a #2 than a #1. Stinks for fantasy owners though, should see his SB number decrease by about 10 or so I'd say.