Quote:
Originally Posted by Sylvanfan
Well until Hill becomes a more selective hitter, I'll disagree that he should be a #2 hitter. With a hitter like him the way he currently is you need to let him swing the bat and get his hits. Wouldn't it make sense to have a guy who gets lots of hits regularly hit behind two guys who have high on base #'s? Shouldn't it lead to more chances to drive in runs? To me a #2 guy should get on base often, and be a guy you don't mind asking to lay down a bunt or hit and run with. You shouldn't be regularly asking your better sluggers to do that type of thing. Hill is still pretty young though and I think he's professional enough that it's something he'll work on this offseason.
As for age, lots of other young players are hitting in key spots in teams lineups. Lind has one of the better OPS ratings in the American League. I think he's like 26, and he's more or less played a good part of 3 years in the majors. Why shelter him and make him hit 5th? Similar with Hill it's not like he's a 22 year old guy, he's like 27 which I think is around the average age in Baseball right now. Why wouldn't a guy who has 30+ homeruns and is slugging 500 be a good #3-4 hitter? It's probably easier to find a good on base guy who can handle the bat and hit second than that ideal #3-4 slugger, and a lot cheaper money wise.
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Personally the OBP thing and the 2nd slot is way over blown, he has had a great season.... I would be shocked if he does not win the gold glove this season. Yet folks are all facinated with his lack of walks... Go figure.
Yes Hill does not walk allot, but Hill is the MVP this season for the Jays from a position player without a question.
Like I said earlier the Jays perfer to have Hill in the 2nd slot not the 3rd or 4th.
As for Lind, what do you mean why shelter him? He has been an every day player for what 2 years? Good grief...