A few years back when Kerry Wood was mashing the ball, I thought that it might be interesting to see a manager use a pitcher as a top pinch hitter and, thus, be able to carry an extra arm in the pen. The problem is the team loses a top pinch hitter for games started by that pitcher.
Still, what's Dusty got to lose? Three fewer at bats for John Mabry isn't going to hurt Baker's future job prospects.
Posted by jarnold at 9/25/2006 7:51:00 AM |
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At the very least it might be worth putting on a Cubs game.
Posted by nayfel at 9/25/2006 12:02:00 PM |
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1971 - the greatest (non-Babe Ruth) year for hitting pitchers:
Catfish Hunter won 21 games and also hit .350 in 106 at bats.
Fergie Jenkins won 24 games and hit six home runs with 20 RBI.
But Wes Ferrell hit 9 HRs and won 22 in 1931 with a .991 OPS.
Alas, Zambrano is hitting just .167 so his feat doesn't quite among those greats.
Posted by schoenke at 9/25/2006 1:35:00 PM |
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If Jeopardy had an all "Hitting Pitchers" episode, Pete would be the next Ken Jennings.
Posted by Erickson at 9/26/2006 12:47:00 PM |
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I'd rather have Zambrano hitting than Willie Bloomquist. Bloomquist has just THREE more XBH than Zambrano in about 200 more plate appearances. That's really incredible when you think about it.
Posted by Jason Thornbury at 9/26/2006 2:49:00 PM |
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