Cubs Recall Pagan; Send Down Pie

May 10, 2007 by cubsnet

The Cubs have recalled OF Angel Pagan from AAA Iowa and sent Felix Pie back down to Iowa. With both Jacque Jones and Felix Pie hitting from the left side, the Cubs lacked a platoon partner for Jones in center and regular playing time for Pie. Pagan, a switch-hitter, gives them the platoon partner. He's in today's starting lineup against Pirates' lefthander Paul Maholm.

But is Pagan a good platoon partner for Jones, assuming that's the way the Cubs use him (along with, presumably, as a late inning defensive replacement)?

Well, last season, Pagan had a 753 OPS against righties and a 596 OPS against lefties. So far, so bad.

In 2005, the only other full season splits data we have available, playing for the Mets' AAA affiliate in Norfolk, Pagan had a 744 OPS against righties and a 682 OPS against lefties. Again, not exactly what we're looking for.

This season for AAA Iowa, at least, Pagan has an 870 OPS against lefties, compared to 641 against righties. But he's only had 33 at-bats against lefties so far.

For comparison's sake, in his career, Jones has a 624 OPS against lefties.

For the foreseeable future then, the Cubs are likely to continue to get below average production out of their centerfielders when the opposing team starts a southpaw.

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