Redsfan1507
It is what it is
No debate, a sub .300 OBP is bad....IMO, his unique skills and the sorely needed energy dynamic he adds to the team are noteworthy exceptions though.
I still don't understand how a full season position playing rookie that led all rookies in so many offensive categories gets beat for NL ROY by a half season pitcher though. NY media probably aided deGrom there.
Somehow, whoever hits behind Hamilton needs to take advantage of his steal threat/ speed, not be distracted by it. A legit strategy is NOT to steal, leaving the 1B hole open by the defender, so the hitter can exploit pulling the ball through the hole. However, Joey Votto isn't a pull hitter...therefore, IMO, I'd like to see Hamilton standing at 2b after a steal before Votto has 2 strikes as a general rule in that situation. No DP, a IBB decision to make by the D, and a RISP opportunity all support better % scenarios than what actually occurred on OD. A guy that can steal 50 or more bases isn't a solution in itself-team has to execute something behind those steals to score, especially if Hamilton isn't going to be on base more than 30% of the time. Votto isn't often going to get a runner to 3b on a single to LF, and stealing 3b isn't a high percentage play either. I'm thrilled with results Monday, but it wasn't exactly textbook strategy to plan on prevailing going forward.
I still don't understand how a full season position playing rookie that led all rookies in so many offensive categories gets beat for NL ROY by a half season pitcher though. NY media probably aided deGrom there.
Somehow, whoever hits behind Hamilton needs to take advantage of his steal threat/ speed, not be distracted by it. A legit strategy is NOT to steal, leaving the 1B hole open by the defender, so the hitter can exploit pulling the ball through the hole. However, Joey Votto isn't a pull hitter...therefore, IMO, I'd like to see Hamilton standing at 2b after a steal before Votto has 2 strikes as a general rule in that situation. No DP, a IBB decision to make by the D, and a RISP opportunity all support better % scenarios than what actually occurred on OD. A guy that can steal 50 or more bases isn't a solution in itself-team has to execute something behind those steals to score, especially if Hamilton isn't going to be on base more than 30% of the time. Votto isn't often going to get a runner to 3b on a single to LF, and stealing 3b isn't a high percentage play either. I'm thrilled with results Monday, but it wasn't exactly textbook strategy to plan on prevailing going forward.