In Reply to: Question for you dodger fans posted by Bruinlark on July 22, 2009 at 13:48:11
When they try to bat him higher in the order, he doesn't seem to do as well.
The Dodger announcers claim he's not the #8 hitter, but the second #4 hitter. Looking at his HR and ribbies, who can argue?
The Dodgers' three regulars who are struggling with BA all hit much better last year. If they come around (and they periodically show signs of it, though Ethier has fallen into another slump) there really not that much to choose from 4 through 8. You bat the speed guys 1-2 (Furcal, Hudson) you bat Manny #3. Looking at his run production, I would bat Martin #8. (Though the Dodgers haven't done that.) But Ethier's run production is up there even though his average isn't. So Ethier, Loney, Blake, Kemp ... however you arrange them. There is a case for batting Kemp eighth because of his speed. He has a better chance to score with two outs on a hit (assuming the pitcher makes out.)