Sox hitting??

[moonslav59]

Vaz is fully healthy at present, so I'll give him the slight edge over Leon on defense. If both aren't hitting, I'll take Vaz. I don't mind switching back and forth all season long though between the two. Play the matchups if there are any notable ones to be found. Keep the both well rested and ready.

 

It's too bad Leon is worse vs RHPs than LHPs. Much worse.

 

It would be nice, if we could play Vaz vs all LHPs and half the righties and maximize the splits.

 

In this area, Swihart seems to match up better, as he hits righties better.

[Emp9]

It's too bad Leon is worse vs RHPs than LHPs. Much worse.

 

It would be nice, if we could play Vaz vs all LHPs and half the righties and maximize the splits.

 

In this area, Swihart seems to match up better, as he hits righties better.

 

I was thinking more of, if say Leon has a better history vs a specific SP or vice versa. A traditional Left/right platoon split at catcher would be pretty sweet, I agree.

[Bellhorn04]

I am ok with holding Hernandez there.

 

Why test Jason Hayward, one of the best arms in MLB, in the eighth inning of a tie game and Betts and Ramirez due up with the bases loaded and no one out? You're only looking for one run at that point and you get that even if Betts (somehow) ground into a double play.

 

There's a time and place fir aggressive baserunning. I am not to sure that was it. ..

 

Yes, you do have to take into account the arm you're running on.

[moonslav59]

I was thinking more of, if say Leon has a better history vs a specific SP or vice versa. A traditional Left/right platoon split at catcher would be pretty sweet, I agree.

 

I agree, but the sample sizes all of our catchers have against individual pitchers are so tiny, they can't really mean too much.

[S5Dewey]

I agree, but the sample sizes all of our catchers have against individual pitchers are so tiny, they can't really mean too much.

 

This is one of those areas where I think we can drive ourselves 'nutso' with statistics. We don't know what a significant sample size is - obviously the bigger the better - but we dismiss some sample sizes as being too small to be meaningful. That raises the question of where 'meaningful' starts. Some like to talk about 500 PA's, roughly a full season. Others think half that. The number is arbitrary.

 

While I believe that all sample sizes are meaningful I wouldn't drive myself crazy trying to fit every PA into a statistical package but I would give a small sample size some weight.

Take catching for example. Right now Vaz is hitting .412 in 34 AB's while Leon is hitting .180 in 50 AB's. It's very likely that neither of those is sustainable and both are certainly SSS's. I tend to go with trends. I'd be more inclined to keep Vaz in the lineup and see where he is than I would to put Leon in, in spite of the fact that neither of them has what could be called a meaningful sample size.

[Bellhorn04]

This is one of those areas where I think we can drive ourselves 'nutso' with statistics. We don't know what a significant sample size is - obviously the bigger the better - but we dismiss some sample sizes as being too small to be meaningful. That raises the question of where 'meaningful' starts. Some like to talk about 500 PA's, roughly a full season. Others think half that. The number is arbitrary.

 

While I believe that all sample sizes are meaningful I wouldn't drive myself crazy trying to fit every PA into a statistical package but I would give a small sample size some weight.

Take catching for example. Right now Vaz is hitting .412 in 34 AB's while Leon is hitting .180 in 50 AB's. It's very likely that neither of those is sustainable and both are certainly SSS's. I tend to go with trends. I'd be more inclined to keep Vaz in the lineup and see where he is than I would to put Leon in, in spite of the fact that neither of them has what could be called a meaningful sample size.

 

Here's something that'll really drive you crazy: Vaz is likely to have a horrible slump now to make up for the hot streak.

[moonslav59]

This is one of those areas where I think we can drive ourselves 'nutso' with statistics. We don't know what a significant sample size is - obviously the bigger the better - but we dismiss some sample sizes as being too small to be meaningful. That raises the question of where 'meaningful' starts. Some like to talk about 500 PA's, roughly a full season. Others think half that. The number is arbitrary.

 

While I believe that all sample sizes are meaningful I wouldn't drive myself crazy trying to fit every PA into a statistical package but I would give a small sample size some weight.

Take catching for example. Right now Vaz is hitting .412 in 34 AB's while Leon is hitting .180 in 50 AB's. It's very likely that neither of those is sustainable and both are certainly SSS's. I tend to go with trends. I'd be more inclined to keep Vaz in the lineup and see where he is than I would to put Leon in, in spite of the fact that neither of them has what could be called a meaningful sample size.

 

There may be disagreement over 350 vs 500. To me, I think 800 is much more telling than 500. If I use 500, I'd use the most recent 500.

 

Vaz, Leon and Swi have less than 10 PAs vs just about every starter they will face this year. We all agree those sample sizes are near useless.

 

I do think one could make a specific determination such as who hits fast ball pitchers better in general vs who hits breaking ball pitchers better or lefty-righty splits..

[moonslav59]

Here's something that'll really drive you crazy: Vaz is likely to have a horrible slump now to make up for the hot streak.

 

Does that also mean Leon is likely to get hot after slumping so badly for a couple weeks?

[Emp9]

Here's something that'll really drive you crazy: Vaz is likely to have a horrible slump now to make up for the hot streak.

 

I think Vaz has hands down, won the job. .... for this week.

[Bellhorn04]

Does that also mean Leon is likely to get hot after slumping so badly for a couple weeks?

 

Yes

[Emp9]

Vaz vs Bundy; 3 for 8 w/ 2B .375

Leon vs Bundy: 2 for 5 w/ HR and 2 RBI .400

[S5Dewey]

 

I do think one could make a specific determination such as who hits fast ball pitchers better in general vs who hits breaking ball pitchers better or lefty-righty splits..[/b]

 

All of which are relatively SSS's! This is what I meant when I said a person can drive themselves nuts with statistics.

 

Given the sample size, do you really think anything meaningful can be gleaned from comparing how they do against a left-handed fast ball vs. a right handed curve? And then putting a right handed fast ball vs a left handed curve? And vice versa? Remember, there are four permutations of this now.

[Emp9]

Take Tampa for example. Leon is 3 for 10 vs Andreise, 3 for 7 vs Snell. i'd probably start Leon in those games. Vaz is 4 for 6 vs Cobb, so I'd start Vaz there. I don't think there's a right or wrong given these sss, but something to that effect I'd do if I were manager.

[moonslav59]

Take Tampa for example. Leon is 3 for 10 vs Andreise, 3 for 7 vs Snell. i'd probably start Leon in those games. Vaz is 4 for 6 vs Cobb, so I'd start Vaz there. I don't think there's a right or wrong given these sss, but something to that effect I'd do if I were manager.

 

It may morph into a personal caddy rotation anyways, so all this sample size talk could be pointless.

[cp176]

The ball was hit to RF. Must score on that. Why isn't this team running more?

 

It's too wet and slippery. We don't want them to get hurt. lol

[oldtimer]

It's too wet and slippery. We don't want them to get hurt. lol

 

Maybe we should have put wright in to run for him.

[Maxbialystock]

It may morph into a personal caddy rotation anyways, so all this sample size talk could be pointless.

 

That's what I think. If one catcher is hitting better overall and still a decent catcher, then try to match catcher to pitcher where you think that makes a difference. For example, I think Leon has caught Sale all 5 games, so I would favor using him whenever Sale pitches.

[Kimmi]

It may morph into a personal caddy rotation anyways, so all this sample size talk could be pointless.

 

It pretty much already is a personal caddy rotation. Leon catches Sale and Porcello, while Vaz catches ERod and Pom. Leon was catching Wright, but Vazquez has overtaken Leon for that job.

[Kimmi]

This is one of those areas where I think we can drive ourselves 'nutso' with statistics. We don't know what a significant sample size is - obviously the bigger the better - but we dismiss some sample sizes as being too small to be meaningful. That raises the question of where 'meaningful' starts. Some like to talk about 500 PA's, roughly a full season. Others think half that. The number is arbitrary.

 

While I believe that all sample sizes are meaningful I wouldn't drive myself crazy trying to fit every PA into a statistical package but I would give a small sample size some weight.

Take catching for example. Right now Vaz is hitting .412 in 34 AB's while Leon is hitting .180 in 50 AB's. It's very likely that neither of those is sustainable and both are certainly SSS's. I tend to go with trends. I'd be more inclined to keep Vaz in the lineup and see where he is than I would to put Leon in, in spite of the fact that neither of them has what could be called a meaningful sample size.

 

Actually, we do know what a significant sample size is and the number is hardly random. The sample size does depend on the stat you're trying to measure, however.

 

Talking about 'trends' is leading us back into the 'hot hand' debate...

[Kimmi]

Here's something that'll really drive you crazy: Vaz is likely to have a horrible slump now to make up for the hot streak.

 

Actually, not really true.

[S5Dewey]

Actually, we do know what a significant sample size is and the number is hardly random. The sample size does depend on the stat you're trying to measure, however.

 

Talking about 'trends' is leading us back into the 'hot hand' debate...

 

??

Then what is a significant sample size for determining the likelihood of a Christian Vazquez hitting a curve ball from a right handed batter? And is it different from his hitting a curve ball from a left handed batter? If so, why? Is it the same for a replacement player hitting a curve ball from a right/left handed batter?

[devildavid]

Well, at least Hanley has the power bat heated up. We need Mookie to provide a bit more power too. Moreland is already a doubles machine. Pedey needs to get completely healthy and try to get into last season's form. Xander is hitting fine, just needs a little more pop in his bat. Benintendi is fine so far. Pretty good core of hitters. A little more power and more timely hitting and the scoring should improve.

 

One strange bugaboo seems to be the trend of hitting into double plays too much so far. Sox have hit into the second most in the AL after Houston. Not sure how you stop that.

 

It's funny how DP's haven't really hurt Houston's scoring or their ability to win games.

[oldtimer]

Well, at least Hanley has the power bat heated up. We need Mookie to provide a bit more power too. Moreland is already a doubles machine. Pedey needs to get completely healthy and try to get into last season's form. Xander is hitting fine, just needs a little more pop in his bat. Benintendi is fine so far. Pretty good core of hitters. A little more power and more timely hitting and the scoring should improve.

 

One strange bugaboo seems to be the trend of hitting into double plays too much so far. Sox have hit into the second most in the AL after Houston. Not sure how you stop that.

 

It's funny how DP's haven't really hurt Houston's scoring or their ability to win games.

 

Hanley has heated up. He has been irratic and he shows little emotion. I had thought maybe having Ortiz around to talk to might help him but he has found something else and is going off in the last few games. We have solid core hitting although jbj just hasn't got it going much at all. Even when he does make good contact the balls are being caught. Other than hiim, we are somewhat weak at 3rd, depending on who plays and also somewhat weak at catcher with Leon not hitting much and Vazquez while hitting, a bit of a question mark. The only thing I see coming along is a potential for improvement at 3rd base during the season. We still need to generate more runs.

[Nick]

Pedey, Bradley Jr and Pablo/Marco ranks near bottom in OPS at their respective positions. Benitendi and Xander are doing better ranked near top 10.

 

Hanley is our best, ranked 4th (obviously out of 15)

[Station 13]

Pedey, Bradley Jr and Pablo/Marco ranks near bottom in OPS at their respective positions. Benitendi and Xander are doing better ranked near top 10.

 

Hanley is our best, ranked 4th (obviously out of 15)

I think Pedroia will come around. He is not embarrassing himself despite the hitting woes right now.

 

Betts and Xander will take off again. Pitching will get back Price, Thornburg and Smith. We got a chance for a strong 2nd push if things goes right.

[Spudboy]

I think Pedroia will come around. He is not embarrassing himself despite the hitting woes right now.

 

Betts and Xander will take off again. Pitching will get back Price, Thornburg and Smith. We got a chance for a strong 2nd push if things goes right.

 

I am very doubtful of Smith and Thornberg being of much value this season.

[oldtimer]

I am very doubtful of Smith and Thornberg being of much value this season.

 

Thornberg has been placed on the 60 day disabled list. The curse continues.

[mvp 78]

Thornberg has been placed on the 60 day disabled list. The curse continues.

 

It's retroactive with eligibility to come off on 6/2. This isn't surprising. Was done so that they can get Kendrick to pitch tonight.

[Spudboy]

Maybe it is not a surprise ( part of what I was pointing to ) but it also does not bode well for bolstering the pen this season.

[mvp 78]

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/xander-bogaerts-is-a-very-weird-good-player/

 

Here's an interesting read from the Tribune about Bogey's power outage.

 

SEE, I DON'T JUST PICK ON PEDROIA!