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Originally Posted by Read Only
It certainly is and that is an area that the Jays seem to lack with so many guys more worried about hitting a HR than just getting on base, but i haven't looked at the numbers so perhaps it just looks that way and the Jays actually do get on base.
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7th in the MLB so they're doing pretty good. The issue is that number is driven up by our most dangerous guys (Bautista's .414 OBP in particular) so usually the guys that do the most damage have less runners on. It's like that on every team, but with a few injuries our lack of depth is starting to stand out.
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If those runs come in big blowouts with multi-HR games while the team is losing close one run games because they are unable to get a guy home after a lead off single I am not sure that it is good enough. Out of a play-off spot right now and top 10 in RS last year and a 5th place finish would say that it is easy to argue with.
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Total anecdotal evidence there. I could make the exact same, thin arguments against small ball teams - they can win games when their pitcher gives them a quality start, but, if not, they can't do enough to win those 6-5 games.
Your model small ball team, the Cardinals, have scored 79 less runs than the Blue Jays. I'd love to see their record if them and the Jays traded starting rotations.
We are right in the mix for a playoff spot and everyone would've been happy with that 3 months ago. And I think being 4th last in runs against last year is the more relevant statistic here. Bad teams can still have good offenses - you can't overcome awful pitching and defense with clutch hitting and small ball like you seem to be suggesting.