Monday, October 16, 2006

False!

Cubs' Mailbag (article)

A few years ago, the Cubs led the league in home runs and they were in the middle of the pack in runs. So, they added some speed at the expense of power and now they are dead-last in runs. Why can't they just admit that at least part of the problem is a lack of on-base percentage? It's obvious what side of the "Moneyball" holy war the Cubs are on.
-- Andy T., Richmond, Va.

The problem isn't just the poor on-base percentage but also a lack of situational hitting. Both matters need to be addressed.

The Cubs did almost exactly the same thing with runners on (.264/.325/.414) as they did in all situations (.268/.319/.422). It has nothing to do with situational hitting, unless you assume that the league hits much better with runners on base, which is false (bases empty versus runners on).

Also, this is not a real answer. Kind Andy T asked, "Why can't they just admit that at least part of the problem is a lack of on-base percentage?" Muskat responded, "The problem isn't just the poor on-base percentage," which is exactly what Kind Andy just said. If you have a commitment to being wrong, you ought to read the question instead of what you wish it said.

Anyway, for those of who, like me, have grown to find suspect Larry Rothschild's coaching ability:

Larry Rothschild, who just completed his fifth season as the Cubs pitching coach, was a coach on Piniella's 1990 staff.

Which means he may very well be back to manage another injury-plagued season. Fantastic.