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2023 offseason
#1101 · November 16, 2022, 10:07 am
Quote from BoosterSD on November 16, 2022, 9:52 amSo I went to baseball-reference.com and looked at Soto's career stats. His OBP stats dont really change much depending on his position in the line up, 2-4. However, there is a huge difference in his BA and SLG % when batting 2nd v 4th in the line up.
When batting 2nd in the line up, .261 BA, .405 OBP, .432 SLG. When batting 4th, .294 BA, .412 OBP, .585 SLG. And his numbers are better batting wise when playing LF.
So it seems to me, IF you want the best Soto that you can get, you play him in LF, and bat him 4th in the line up.
So maybe the best option at this time is Tatis, Crone, Machado, Soto. So, Tatis to RF seems a good use of his speed and arm, while giving SD the best possible version of Soto. Although if you want the best version of Tatis bat wise, that is at SS.
So do we look for a RFer, and slide Kim and Crone right to cover 2B and 1B, giving SD the best possible offensive production?
Maybe a RF combination of Myers, Mazara, Gamel could be productive and fiscally feasible.
Definitely need your most dynamic base runner at the top of the order, regardless if he's also your best HR threat. With Cronenworth, Machado, and Soto behind him, there's still plenty of pop in the top of that order.
Thanks for posting Soto's numbers- sure looks like he was wasted in the 2 hole.
And just imagine what kind of numbers Manny will put up with a more aggressive Soto batting behind him.
#1102 · November 16, 2022, 10:08 am
Quote from fenn68 on November 16, 2022, 10:02 amThe line-up will be as much of a debate as Tatis' position is (was).
After looking at Soto's career numbers, there is not much debate left for me. I dont want to pay a guy $22M+ to get on base, I want him to slug and drive in runs.
To me, Soto must bat 4th going forward.
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#1103 · November 16, 2022, 10:10 am
Quote from WindsorUK on November 16, 2022, 10:07 amDefinitely need your most dynamic base runner at the top of the order, regardless if he's also your best HR threat. With Cronenworth, Machado, and Soto behind him, there's still plenty of pop in the top of that order.
Thanks for posting Soto's numbers- sure looks like he was wasted in the 2 hole.
And just imagine what kind of numbers Manny will put up with a more aggressive Soto batting behind him.
You're welcome. And yes, it seems that Soto is a waste of power and production in the two hole. Seems he becomes to passive in that spot. And you are right, imagine the pitches that Machado will see, with Soto behind him.
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#1104 · November 16, 2022, 10:13 am
Quote from fenn68 on November 16, 2022, 10:02 amIf they can land a legit OBP guy with decent speed (so as to not curb Tatis' base-running) for lead-off ... 2-3-4 for the trio. If they can't and end up with a more middle of the order type, 1-2-3 for the trio followed by Cronenworth and maybe two "new guys".
If you can find that guy, then you could also make an argument for the trio to go more traditional baseball, and go Machado, Soto, Tatis in the 3-5 spots, with that lead off guy one, and Crone at #2.
#1105 · November 16, 2022, 10:16 am
Quote from Randy Manese on November 16, 2022, 9:54 amIt's possible that Lugo will be taken but likely we need those roster slots for potential FA signees that would be more valuable than protecting Lugo and then taking him off the roster since our bullpen candidates are in abundance. Lugo has limited experience above the AA level (10.1 IP) but does have a good K rate but not a superior BB rate. It's possible he does not make it out of spring training, if chosen, and offered back to San Diego so we may not lose him at all.
Probably right ... we just don't know what the Padres see (or don't see) in Lugo. Only 23 and converted for starter to relief ... so some raw material apparently as a RP.
Since I don't see that many FA signings (vs the open slots and low hanging fruit) ... it may be more their projection on Lugo. I could have seen Kerr out (LH but older and ineffective with control issues in AAA) for Lugo's upside (if there really is upside).
Also, they may see some equal or better upside in the less discussed RP options (not likely all with be taken and kept via Rule 5) who may be ready for 2024. 2023 has a pretty full slate of for AAA back-up.
#1106 · November 16, 2022, 10:32 am
Quote from BoosterSD on November 16, 2022, 9:11 amQuote from MrPadre19 on November 16, 2022, 8:55 amSoto has to be top 2 in the lineup with his Ted Williams eye at the plate.
I also hate the idea of Tatis leading off…..so I still want an add that can lead off…moving everyone down
Why do you hate the idea of Tatis leading off? You want speed at the lead off spot, Tatis has it.
Speed is part of it but I prefer 2 run HR's over solo shots.
If you have a .400 OBP "ahead" of all three of Tatis/Soto/Machado your chances of scoring 2 is much greater.
Look at it this way...we have possibly the best 3 hitters in a lineup ever.,,,not hyperbole.
You have a guy on base leading off a game 40% of the time....now you gotta pretty much get all 3 of these guys out or its 1-0 (minimum) in the first.
Esp now that we have all 3 of these guys,getting Tatis 20 extra AB's a season(whatever the number is between 1st and 2nd or 1st and 3rd in the linup) IMO isn't as important as having a guy on base for him to drive in.
Hate may have been a strong word....Should have just said "prefer" not to have him leadoff.
Now,if we can't get a high OBP guy to hit leadoff.....then by all mean put Tatis, or better yet Soto, there then.
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Jeremy Hill
#1107 · November 16, 2022, 10:33 am
Soto 3rd or 4th works for me.
A lot of discussion on how much more productive Soto will be without the shift in place given that he makes hard contact with plus exit velocity to the right side. Have a runner on base ahead of him being held on ... Soto should be killing it through a wide open right side.
If it is a speedster ahead of him and on base ... a bullet hit to the gap gets them to 3B and if it gets through a 1B-Home play ... makes me lean towards that speedy / aggressive base runner Tatis ahead of Soto. Also, think Tatis will initially need more "protection" to get better pitches than either Soto or Machado.
Still can really make the call until they know the adds and what they can or cannot do.
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#1108 · November 16, 2022, 10:35 am
Quote from fenn68 on November 16, 2022, 10:02 amThe line-up will be as much of a debate as Tatis' position is (was).
I see a sequence of Tatis - Soto (L) - Machado ... just not sure where to start that sequence. Tatis with his speed and base stealing ability should help Soto - Machado drive in runs while Soto - Machado behind Tatis should get him better pitches to hit (may be important after missing a year). Also with Tatis on 1B being held on and with the shift history ... would open a wide right side for Soto to drive balls through.
If they can land a legit OBP guy with decent speed (so as to not curb Tatis' base-running) for lead-off ... 2-3-4 for the trio. If they can't and end up with a more middle of the order type, 1-2-3 for the trio followed by Cronenworth and maybe two "new guys".
We've been together on this Forum for a long time:)......again thinking alike.
This is what I was saying....
#1109 · November 16, 2022, 10:43 am
So here we go....Does it really make that much difference to a hitter like Soto whether he is hitting 2nd or 4th?
Really?
It might make a difference if there is a runner on...or a runner in scoring position...but do hitters (esp guys like Soto) really step into the batters box thinking completely different because his name was in a different spot on the lineup card?
Yes the numbers say it does....but maybe if he hit 2 more seasons in the 2 hole the numbers start to even out?
His approach seems the same every time I've seen him hit.
Wait for a good pitch to drive and if you never get one....take the walk to get on base.
I highly doubt he swings harder...or tries to loft the ball higher because BoMel put him at #4 instead of #2.
I understand many of you will disagree with me....but I just don't see it.
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#1110 · November 16, 2022, 10:49 am
Quote from MrPadre19 on November 16, 2022, 10:43 am
Yes the numbers say it does....but maybe if he hit 2 more seasons in the 2 hole the numbers start to even out?
With many on here gripping about Soto's power numbers after the trade, I will go with the numbers, and say he needs to bat 4th.
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