Pre-Game Notes 4-7-2006
It begins: Dusty Baker's maximizing of Neifi Perez's out-making ability. Baker has Perez hitting 2nd in today's lineup againt righthanded pitcher Jeff Suppan. From 2003-05, Perez hit .266/.295/.340 against righthanded pitchers. If Baker was looking for better defense behind Greg Maddux than what Todd Walker provides, Jerry Hairston is the better option. Hairston hit .277/.365/.382 from 2003-05 against righthanded pitchers. That 70 points of on-base-average difference is huge.
Elsewhere, Ivy Chat says that, if the Cardinals sweep the Cubs in this series, the Cubs "could already be eliminated from contention for the NL Central." To understate matters, that's an overstatement. The 1998 New York Yankees started off 1-4. The Houston Astros last season were playing under .400 ball for the first quarter of the season. The season is much too long to make pronouncements like that after the second series.
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Neifi
I'm not too bothered by this Neifi business, although I think it's silly to bat him second. When Maddux pitches, we're just going to have to live with a defensive sub somewhere in the lineup, i.e., Neifi or Blanco. I actually think Dusty's showing remarkable discipline in only using one today, considering the weather, and the conventional wisdom that runs figure to be at a premium when it's so cold.
Hairston over Perez
I don't mind the defensive sub, I'd just rather it be Hairston and not Perez, against righthanded pitching. Of course, Perez went 3-for-4 today.
My guess is that Blanco will catch Marshall, because Baker will want the better defensive catcher catching the rookie.
By the way, nice to have you comment again Brian, after a short absence.
Thanks
I appreciate that. For some reason, I kinda zoned out there for a while.