Cardinals VORP

According to Jim Baker at Baseball Prospectus, the Cards have given 26% of their at-bats this season to players below Replacement Level (not including pitcher ABs).  As bad as that sounds, they only rank 10th in the NL, still ahead of division pals Houston and Pittsburgh.

Given the right field situation earlier this year, I wasn't surprised to see such a high number.  I respect the spirit of Skip Schumaker, but he may as well be the poster boy for Replacement Level.  Sure enough, Schumaker, Wilson and Ludwick all rate below Replacement Level.  As does Gary Bennet, but what can you expect from a backup catcher?

Somewhat more surprising were the two worst players in terms of VORP: Aaron Miles at -4.4 and Adam Kennedy at -6.6.  (blort)  They've combined for 294 plate appearances below Replacement Level.

With Juan Encarnacion putting up at least major league quality numbers in right, it seems clear the biggest hole in the lineup is at second base.