Comments on: Cubs Fans Scramble For The Fukudome’s ‘Luxury Box’ (Wait, that doesn’t work…) http://umpbump.com/press/2007/12/12/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/ In-your-face baseball commentary Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:48:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: melissa http://umpbump.com/press/2007/12/12/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/comment-page-1/#comment-54119 melissa Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:23:18 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/#comment-54119 Paul, I don't recall the exact number but John Dewan of Stats Inc. has discussed the fact that the lead-off slot does get a higher percentage of fastballs. He also stated that in the National League the lead-off batter comes to the plate 66% of the time with no one on base which also increases the number of fastballs seen by the hitter. You're correct that Soriano didn't receive a significant number of at bats outside of the lead-off slot with the Cubs but his career numbers also reflect a lower average, I believe his BA is under .240 when not hitting out of that lead-off slot. It's also been apparent from things Soriano has said that he doesn't feel comfortable lower in the order. So it's also possible that his mental approach is having an effect on his productivity as well. Paul, I don’t recall the exact number but John Dewan of Stats Inc. has discussed the fact that the lead-off slot does get a higher percentage of fastballs. He also stated that in the National League the lead-off batter comes to the plate 66% of the time with no one on base which also increases the number of fastballs seen by the hitter. You’re correct that Soriano didn’t receive a significant number of at bats outside of the lead-off slot with the Cubs but his career numbers also reflect a lower average, I believe his BA is under .240 when not hitting out of that lead-off slot. It’s also been apparent from things Soriano has said that he doesn’t feel comfortable lower in the order. So it’s also possible that his mental approach is having an effect on his productivity as well.

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]]> By: Paul Moro http://umpbump.com/press/2007/12/12/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/comment-page-1/#comment-54120 Paul Moro Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:20:51 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/#comment-54120 Melissa, I think I get what you're saying. But I wasn't aware that leadoff hitters see more fastballs than anyone else. A lot of times, leadoff guys come up to bat with no one on base - either as the first batter of the game or because the guys in the 7-8-9 spots don't get on base very often. As far as I can tell, pitchers are more apt to throw breaking pitches in these situations. Maybe I'm wrong. Either way, Soriano only got 37 ABs in 2007 while not batting at the top of the order. It's not much of a chance that he was given. You can look at any hitter and it's really not hard at all to find a 37-AB-span during which they underperformed. Besides, in 2005, Soriano put up better numbers batting fifth than he did leadoff. I don't put much stock in these numbers either, but at least it's an example that it has been done. Melissa, I think I get what you’re saying. But I wasn’t aware that leadoff hitters see more fastballs than anyone else. A lot of times, leadoff guys come up to bat with no one on base – either as the first batter of the game or because the guys in the 7-8-9 spots don’t get on base very often. As far as I can tell, pitchers are more apt to throw breaking pitches in these situations. Maybe I’m wrong.

Either way, Soriano only got 37 ABs in 2007 while not batting at the top of the order. It’s not much of a chance that he was given. You can look at any hitter and it’s really not hard at all to find a 37-AB-span during which they underperformed. Besides, in 2005, Soriano put up better numbers batting fifth than he did leadoff. I don’t put much stock in these numbers either, but at least it’s an example that it has been done.

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]]> By: Nick Kapur http://umpbump.com/press/2007/12/12/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/comment-page-1/#comment-54118 Nick Kapur Thu, 13 Dec 2007 04:13:40 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/#comment-54118 God, I would LOVE for the White Sox to <s>take Juan Pierre off the Dodgers' hands</s> um, I mean, <b>pry</b> Juan Pierre away from the Dodgers. Please Kenny? Let's just pull the trigger on this one while you are still in your post-Fukudome-to-the-Cubs depression. God, I would LOVE for the White Sox to take Juan Pierre off the Dodgers’ hands um, I mean, pry Juan Pierre away from the Dodgers.

Please Kenny? Let’s just pull the trigger on this one while you are still in your post-Fukudome-to-the-Cubs depression.

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]]> By: Sarah Green http://umpbump.com/press/2007/12/12/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/comment-page-1/#comment-54114 Sarah Green Wed, 12 Dec 2007 23:53:18 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/#comment-54114 Huh huh, huh huh, huh huh. Heh, heh heh heh, heh heh heh. Huh huh, huh huh, huh huh.

Heh, heh heh heh, heh heh heh.

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]]> By: melissa http://umpbump.com/press/2007/12/12/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/comment-page-1/#comment-54109 melissa Wed, 12 Dec 2007 23:45:07 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/#comment-54109 Paul, No, I'm not thrilled with Soriano in the lead off slot but he has shown in the past that he isn't capable of hitting lower in the order. Lou tried moving him down in the order and he was close to a .220 hitter. His batting average drops significantly if he's not seeing fastballs in that lead off spot, his career numbers prove it. They spent a ton of money on him so they need to put him where he has the best chance to succeed. There are also rumors that they will put Roberts at lead off if they acquire him. If that's the case look for Theriot to be in the 2 hole. (insert Sarah's snickering here) As for the White Sox, Williams ended discussions with Rowand's agent as soon as he said he wanted 5 years, they claim dollars weren't even discussed. That is what is coming out of the Sox organization. Normally it is just pitchers that the Sox won't offer deals in excess of 3 years to, Buehrle was the exception. Kenny also fell short on his bid for Miguel Cabrera and claimed he had no interest in Andruw Jones. I'm still saying they end up with Juan Pierre or Coco Crisp in center if they acquire anyone. Paul,
No, I’m not thrilled with Soriano in the lead off slot but he has shown in the past that he isn’t capable of hitting lower in the order. Lou tried moving him down in the order and he was close to a .220 hitter. His batting average drops significantly if he’s not seeing fastballs in that lead off spot, his career numbers prove it. They spent a ton of money on him so they need to put him where he has the best chance to succeed. There are also rumors that they will put Roberts at lead off if they acquire him. If that’s the case look for Theriot to be in the 2 hole. (insert Sarah’s snickering here)

As for the White Sox, Williams ended discussions with Rowand’s agent as soon as he said he wanted 5 years, they claim dollars weren’t even discussed. That is what is coming out of the Sox organization. Normally it is just pitchers that the Sox won’t offer deals in excess of 3 years to, Buehrle was the exception. Kenny also fell short on his bid for Miguel Cabrera and claimed he had no interest in Andruw Jones. I’m still saying they end up with Juan Pierre or Coco Crisp in center if they acquire anyone.

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]]> By: Alejandro Leal http://umpbump.com/press/2007/12/12/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/comment-page-1/#comment-54113 Alejandro Leal Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:06:51 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/#comment-54113 Paul Konerko is the only <a href="http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/chicago-white-sox.html" rel="nofollow">5+ year contract</a> the ChiSox didn't inherit. Paul Konerko is the only 5+ year contract the ChiSox didn’t inherit.

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]]> By: Alejandro Leal http://umpbump.com/press/2007/12/12/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/comment-page-1/#comment-54112 Alejandro Leal Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:04:24 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/#comment-54112 Well, sure, there were rumors that "The Legend" (as Rowand is known in the South Side) was being considered, but I doubt Williams seriously pursued him. The fact that he singed for 5 years, however, means that the White Sox (specifically Williams) have fallen flat on their face because they refuse to offer more than 3 years to a Free Agent (or any of their vets for that matter). I mean they almost let Buerhle go because they wouldn't give him four years. What I don't understand is how on earth do they shell $19 million for a reliever? Well, sure, there were rumors that “The Legend” (as Rowand is known in the South Side) was being considered, but I doubt Williams seriously pursued him.

The fact that he singed for 5 years, however, means that the White Sox (specifically Williams) have fallen flat on their face because they refuse to offer more than 3 years to a Free Agent (or any of their vets for that matter).

I mean they almost let Buerhle go because they wouldn’t give him four years.

What I don’t understand is how on earth do they shell $19 million for a reliever?

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]]> By: Coley Ward http://umpbump.com/press/2007/12/12/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/comment-page-1/#comment-54116 Coley Ward Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:29:21 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/#comment-54116 Alejandro, the White Sox also failed to land Aaron Rowand, who just signed with the Giants for FIVE YEARS. Alejandro, the White Sox also failed to land Aaron Rowand, who just signed with the Giants for FIVE YEARS.

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]]> By: Sarah Green http://umpbump.com/press/2007/12/12/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/comment-page-1/#comment-54115 Sarah Green Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:23:45 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/#comment-54115 I know this ranks me somewhere below Beavis and Butthead in maturity level, but I always giggle when people talk about "the 2 hole." Especially if they are "inserting him into the 2-hole." Nate Silver has posted the PECOTA projection for Fukudome. Though he meant it to be positive, the headline should send a chill through Cubs fans anyway: <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=699" rel="nofollow">Fukudome: The New J.D. Drew?</a> I know this ranks me somewhere below Beavis and Butthead in maturity level, but I always giggle when people talk about “the 2 hole.” Especially if they are “inserting him into the 2-hole.”

Nate Silver has posted the PECOTA projection for Fukudome. Though he meant it to be positive, the headline should send a chill through Cubs fans anyway: Fukudome: The New J.D. Drew?

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]]> By: Paul Moro http://umpbump.com/press/2007/12/12/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/comment-page-1/#comment-54111 Paul Moro Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:50:38 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/cubs-fans-scramble-for-the-fukudomes-luxury-box-wait-that-doesnt-work/#comment-54111 So Melissa, you still approve of Soriano at the top spot? Him and his career .327 OBP? So Melissa, you still approve of Soriano at the top spot? Him and his career .327 OBP?

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