Joe Benson leading off?

[ThePuck]

Benson has options this year and, I believe, next season too. Wouldn't have to be exposed until 2015. But if he doesn't produce, expect him to be at least packaged in a trade before then.

 

Benson only has one option year left...this year.

[cmathewson]

Benson has an option remaining. He was added to the 40-man roster before the 2011 season, and optioned out that year and in 2012.

[Thrylos]

Parm could develop into a superior OBP guy in the 2-Hole:.

 

And will increase Mauer's GIDP by lots, compared to a speedy infielder batting second. I think that Mauer's double plays is part of the reason that Gardenhire likes to bat speedy people in front of him.

[Boom Boom]

And will increase Mauer's GIDP by lots, compared to a speedy infielder batting second. I think that Mauer's double plays is part of the reason that Gardenhire likes to bat speedy people in front of him.

 

I think I'd rather have a slow guy who can get on base and risk the double play than a speedy guy with questionable on base skills.

[twinsnorth49]

I think I'd rather have a slow guy who can get on base and risk the double play than a speedy guy with questionable on base skills.

 

Yep, having someone on base to advance more often is a better scenario than Joe coming up with nobody on and 1 out.

[Boom Boom]

When Mauer hits a ground ball on the right side, it's usually sharp enough that any runner going from 1st to 2nd is going to get doubled up.

[Guest USAFChief]

When anyone hits a ground ball on the right side, it's usually sharp enough that any runner going from 1st to 2nd is going to get forced.

FTFY. It's the hitter who gets "doubled up," not the runner on first, and as you said, the baserunner's speed isn't typically the issue, unless he has already stolen 2nd base. Any runner is going to get forced. Which, I guess might have been Thrylos' point. Of course, if that was his point, I don't think it's a valid one, since IMO teams should worry more about how often a player gets to first base to begin with than how likely they are to steal second once they get there. Not to mention as I said, unless he's already stolen second, or at least moving on the pitch, it doesn't matter if it's Usain Bolt at 1st base, most ground balls fielded cleanly by an infielder are going to result in a force out at second base. Whether the team can turn two isn't dependent on the baserunner, it depends on the hitter, the fielders, and how hard the ball was hit.

[bird]

Um, let's see: yes, no, maybe, probably, conceivably, undoubtedly. Any more questions?

 

That dang Chief thinks he has ALL the answers.

[edavis0308]

So is the main argument if people would rather have Ben Revere or a mid 2000's Nick Johnson in the two hole?

[twinsnorth49]

So is the main argument if people would rather have Ben Revere or a mid 2000's Nick Johnson in the two hole?

 

Hmmmm, that would be interesting to consider. I think the mid 2000's Johnson flashed enough HR power to not be wasted in the two hole but a 2009 version maybe. in '09 he scored 1 run more than Revere did last year in roughly 20 more PA's. He stole 38 less bases but posted an OBP almost 100 points higher than Ben. Maybe Washington or Florida cold have scored even more runs with Johnson hitting 2 or even lead off.

[snepp]

Yeah, it would suck to get too many home runs from the 2nd spot in the order.

[Guest USAFChief]

Yeah, it would suck to get too many home runs from the 2nd spot in the order.

Yeah fur sure. Although...it would cut down on Mauer's GIDP.

[kab21]

Yeah, it would suck to get too many home runs from the 2nd spot in the order.

 

I think it would suck to have so many runners on base that we are concerned about Mauer's GIDP's.

[twinsnorth49]

Yeah, it would suck to get too many home runs from the 2nd spot in the order.

 

Lol, that's not quite what I meant but I get the point, http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/fighting/slap-in-the-face.gif. The mid 2000's Johnson would serve just as well or better that the '09 version at #2 or lead-off. The point in the discussion was that high OBP guys who are big and slow are likely more valuable in those spots than speedy guys who can't get on base much in the first place.

 

But I deserve the abuse, keep it coming.

[snepp]

Lol, that's not quite what I meant but I get the point. The mid 2000's Johnson would serve just as well or better that the '09 version at #2 or lead-off. The point in the discussion was that high OBP guys who are big and slow are likely more valuable in those spots than speedy guys who can't get on base much in the first place.

 

The real question is, can he bunt?

 

 

[twinsnorth49]

The real question is, can he bunt?

 

See,there you go, that's why the HR's would be wasted, the priority for a solid Gardy #2 is bunting. Can't sacfrifice RISP with actual runs.

[edavis0308]

I lol'ed at this exchange.

[Badsmerf]

The real question is, can he bunt?

 

 

All the... small things... truth care.... truth brings.........

[Kwak]

Discussion about Benson leading off--moot point. Unless Mastroianni is on the DL, Benson will be in Rochester.

[LaBombo]

The real question is, can he bunt?

 

 

 

Don't you mean 'can he bunt for power'?