Searching For Some Punch

by
April 28, 2010

It’s early, but some teams in the American League seriously need to take a hard look at their guys manning the DH position. No less than five teams, the White Sox, Indians, Athletics, Red Sox and Mariners have DHs that have amassed a wOBA that ranks below the combined wOBAs that two National League teams have received from their pitchers!

Houston pitchers have a collective .305 wOBA and the Diamondbacks are second in the NL with a .289 wOBA at the plate from their hurlers. The Padres are in third at .261 and the Rockies in fourth at .249, which both still manage to rank ahead of the Red Sox (.248) and the Mariners.

The Mariners deserve special scorn for their below pathetic .210 wOBA from Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Sweeney. That scornful figure would rank 9th amongst National League pitchers. The Mariners have had a DH combo that would be in the bottom half of pitchers.

It’s not quite as bad, but it’s worth pointing out the awful rates put up by the Yankees (.234) and Rangers (.240) at first base as well. First base at least is an actual defensive position, but it is the lowliest of them, and teams really need to get an offensive powerhouse there.

The Yankees will certainly be fine with Mark Teixeira. Will Justin Smoak be the savior for the Rangers at the position and will Chris Davis get another shot? Time will tell.

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Matthew Carruth is a software engineer who has been fascinated with baseball statistics since age five. When not dissecting baseball, he is watching hockey or playing soccer.

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Matt
15 years ago

I just wonder how much longer the M’s can justify having both Junior and Sweeney on the roster. I understand (and don’t completely disagree) with keeping Griffey as a DH/pinch hitter for one last season, but keeping Sweeney too just make no real sense.

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