Duncan Lower in the Order

by arch support on Apr 28, 2007 1:13 PM EDT

Let me introduce myself by saying that I'm a longtime reader, first time writer. That reminds me of a Mr. Obvious bit, but I digress.

Recently, I've noticed a couple of posts on this site and opinions elsewhere that have suggested moving Duncan lower in the batting order (most commonly bumping Edmonds and hitting in the fifth spot behind Rolen). It would seem to make sense given Edmonds continuing low batting line and the general lack of offense from everyone but Duncan (although Pujols and Rolen have both been coming on as of late).

Given Duncan's line, it would seem to make sense to give him more RBI opportunities. My question is: how much of Duncan's showing thus far can be contributed to hitting in front of Pujols?

To my knowledge, when Duncan first came up last season, La Russa intentionally put him in front of Pujols so that he'd see plenty of fastballs.

Another issue is how different of a hitter Duncan seems to be with RISP. Personally, I feel he becomes too aggressive, not uncommon for young players. From baseball-reference.com, his career OPS w/RISP is .639. In 2007, it's .833. That's an improvement but remember, with the exception of a few pinch at bats, this season he's been batting exclusively in front of Pujols.

Pitchers would undoubtedly pitch him differently if Speizio, Wilson (ugh), or even Encarnacion was his protection. While Duncan's plate discipline has improved, I'm not so sure we could count on him to be the offensive force he is now if he were batting lower in the order.

I like Duncan and I want him to succeed (he's on my fantasy team), but I'm not so sure he's the solution lower in the order.

Tweet Comment 1 comment | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Welcome

The problem is that we have so many holes in the line up and no way to hide them. JaunE will be back soon, but he will not be effective either. Not right away anyway (2 for 17 at AA). In the mean time why not try this.

SS...Miles
LF...Dunc
1B...Pujols
3B...Rolen
RF...Ludwick
CF...Edmonds
C...Molina
2B...Kennedy

We could even switch Molina and JimmE.

I was really worried all winter that our outfield production would suck. Some folks on the site got on my case when I said that JaunE was our best outfielder. I said that because it scared me. Woke me up once, and kept me up nights.

I ment it cause JimmE is too banged up to be effective. I was and am hopefull that he will get heathly, and produce more.

I was wondering if the Cards should pick up his option. I did figure that he was worth the 7 million differance, but the extention suprised me. He better turn it up or ouch!

The one bright spot has been Duncan. I really thought he would stink too. (I wish he held onto that ball last night.)

So the only thing we can do right now is call up Ludwick and send down Schumaker. Play Ludwick in RF, and get him as many AB's as possible. He is a hot bat right now. Then bench Eckstein for Miles. What else is there?

by nybirdfan on Apr 28, 2007 2:13 PM EDT reply actions