The Contrary Report-Darin Erstad
>> Saturday
As I voiced in my White Sox season preview, the acquisition of Darin Erstad and subsequent placement into the everyday line-up did not make sense. Ten games in, albeit a small sample, and he has still not proven why he's playing ahead of Brian Anderson. To quote Baseball Prospectus again:
Erstad's the boyfriend you really shouldn't keep: he might be popular and talented, but he's bad news. He spends all your money and never quite delivers on his promises. If you only think of him in terms of how good you feel around him, you might miss out on the more basic things. You know, like runs.
Erstad's BP projected line.242/.297/.324
Brian Anderson's BP projected line: .263/.323/.442
Now, given the fact Anderson is a much better defensive outfielder, I will continually be puzzled as to why Erstad still plays the vast majority of the time. Also, while I'll admit to being very optimistic, I really think Anderson has the tools to be a .280/.340-.350/.500 type of hitter, with 20-25 home runs and 30-35 doubles power. I know Anderson can greatly outperform Erstad now both at the plate and in the field.
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3 comments:
Right with you on this one. Barring a miracle return to his form seven years ago, Erstad is a total pit in that lineup. I don't think they can depend on another 2006 from Dye or Thome, so as far as I'm concerned, they almost have to play Anderson and hope he emerges as a productive hitter this year. Not to mention you're stunting the development over a solid prospect for a nothing wash-up. I think this is favoritism rivaling Dusty Baker's love for Neifi Perez.
By the way, another pretty good outing from Chicago's other young lefty Danks (Hill looks incredible early on, by the way). He's gonna have to develop a change (unless he has one but didn't throw any in the innings I watched) and spot the fastball better, but that's a pretty wicked hook he's got.
Yeah, Danks is basically a two-pitch guy right now. This team somewhat reminds of 2005, in that the pitching has a chance to lead to lots of wins. Man though, the Indians will be really tough to beat out.
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