[quote=3kings;841036]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cannon Shell
He will get some abuse but in general I dont think people care that much anymore.[/QUOTE
Do you think he will be as productive with no Fielder plus the added scrutiny?
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Probably. "Protection" is a myth for the most part especially when the batter behind him bats from a different side. The guy has been ultra consistent and hits everywhere and everyone. He may get a few less pitches to hit, take more walks, etc but his season last year really wasnt that much different than his other 4 other than he stole more bases and struckout less. What is interesting is that his K rate has decreased with his walk rate has remained identical. His BABIP (batting average on balls in play) was high .350 but isnt far off his lifetime average of .339. He has improved as a hitter but his power numbers have been pretty static. Everyone deals with pressure differently but I would guess he will continue to hit.
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx...=OF#battedball
http://www.baseball-reference.com/pl...raunry02.shtml