Which of these three lines is a DH and which is a pitcher?
.176/.239/.282
.164/.195/.181
.195/.214/.228
The first line is the ATL braves pitchers, the second is the SF pitchers combined totals and the third is Rondell White.
Plus when you factor in the number of sacrifices for the pitchers, I think you can make a case they've been more productive at the plate than the Minnesota DH.
And of course, the opportunity cost of having a bad DH is probably the worst of any position.
White's VORP (Value Over Replacement Player) is -17.2. That's the absolute worst in baseball. And that's after he went 3-for-7 the last two days! (all singles of course). He hasn't hit a home run and has just three walks. Most NL pitching staffs have more walks and home runs.
It's no coincidence that last week the Twins took 2 of 3 vs. Milwaukee playing without the DH. They went into the game without having a huge disadvantage at one position.
Is he the worst everyday hitter through the first two months of a season in the history of baseball? I'd bet he must be for any player who plays DH or 1B.
When should the Twins give up on him? When does an early slump turn into a player not having it any more? I think it's been a few weeks past that point.
