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Carlos Correa and a runner on first


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Carlos Correa has 51 plate appearances with a runner on first(only) and less than 2 outs. In those 51 plate appearances he has 9 strikeouts, 6 walks, 1 HBP, 1 double, 1 home run and hit into 15 double plays. The most frequent outcome is a double play. That isn't surprising as he hits right handed, frequently makes solid contact and isn't very fast. Those factors aren't going to change.

It makes me wonder how often the Twins have tried to steal a base in those situations. I can't recall any. I think they need to view each of those grounded into doubles plays like a caught stealing. With Carlos up they need to be more aggressive stealing a base. Even a 70% success rate is probably preferable to staying on first with the likelihood of being the front end of a double play. Julien stole bases in the minors. They need to send him. They batted Correa first for a while. If they do that they need to put speed at the bottom and send them.

If anyone knows how to find it I would like to see how often they have tried to steal in this situation.

8 Comments


Recommended Comments

Karbo

Posted

IMO a move to lower in the lineup around the 5-7 spot would be the best move. I sure wouldn't keep him batting behind a guy with high OBA like Julian.

Patzky

Posted

I wish they would have had Jeffers lay a bunt down 

Little Piranhas

Posted

This might sound ignorant, but judging by what I’ve seen, neither Rocco and/or Popkins are having hitters even practice bunting in the cage.  Could it be that we have a roster that doesn’t know how to bunt?  At least not proficiently.

ewen21

Posted

2 hours ago, Little Piranhas said:

This might sound ignorant, but judging by what I’ve seen, neither Rocco and/or Popkins are having hitters even practice bunting in the cage.  Could it be that we have a roster that doesn’t know how to bunt?  At least not proficiently.

You are not being ignorant, but this team isn't going to bunt its way to the WS.  Sadly, it is a lost art.  I can recall Dave Kingman being a good bunter simply using the element of surprise and his above average speed.  Correa likely cannot lay down a decent bunt in live action.  This kind of thing just isn't part of the game anymore and a big reason why is sabermetrics.

 

I honestly do not know why any lefty with speed doesn't drag bunt.  I do not think Buxton (and some other Twins with speed) are capable of learning how to do it at this point.  It just isn't something coaches teach anymore

IaBeanCounter

Posted

It's not just the Twins who can't bunt.  I was surprised to see we had 10 sac bunts which tied for 5th in the AL and 12th in the MLB.  I don't think I sac with Correa, but I do like you idea of having the runner on first attempting to steal.

Brandon

Posted

To hit and run you need hitters who make contact.  We have too many strikeout artists on the team.  Correa is likely one you could hit and run with.  
I agree they should do more stealing with a runner on first and Correa at bat.  And lastly Brett Butler probably added 30 points to his batting average with over .400 batting average when bunting.  I don’t think that is his career average but I remember that being his bunting average when he had over 30 bunt base hits.  

John Belinski

Posted

I do not know where the Twins rank in hitting into double plays, but would guess they are among the leaders. I remember at least 3 or 4 games the Twins would have won with one bunt, plus with their high strike rate doesn't seem like the hitting coach is doing a good job.

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