In 24 games started by Rod Barajas the Mets are 12-12. In the 12 losses, Barajas is hitting .191 with 2 hr, 6 rbi. In the 12 wins, Barajas is hitting .326 with 7 hr, 13rbi
I am no statistician, but this seems like a trend that is too obvious to ignore. When Barajas is hitting, the Mets are winning.
Matt Cerone at metsblog.com wonders if he should be getting more at bats seeing that he is the second leading rbi guy on the team. The logical choice is yes, but that would have subtle ramifications on the lineup. I doubt they move Frenchy down to 8 even in his slump. No way Ike is going to 8 nor are Wright, Bay or Reyes. That then leaves Castillo and Pagan. If Pagan moves to 8, then Reyes goes back to 1. This will happen sometime this year, but probably not until Beltran comes back. So that leaves Castillo. He is a popular whipping boy, but he rarely strikes out and is hitting .271 this year. He's not going anywhere unless they move Reyes back to leadoff. I mean, who will hit 2 if Reyes is 3? Certainly not Wright.
So yes, it would be great to get Rod more at-bats but I don't see how it works with Reyes hitting third. He is the key to whole equation. So for now, keep on keeping on, Rod.
You're no statistician?
ReplyDeleteThe other argument against moving Barajas up is that he's going great doing what he's doing. If you move him to the middle of the lineup, there is always the chance he starts trying to do too much.