Langerhans vs. Diaz

[freak]

It's still early but Langerhans is batting .080 and Diaz is batting .321.

Thoughts?

 

[Vercingetorix]

The batting average doesn't even tell the whole story; he's had zero extra-base hits and only three walks. Meanwhile Diaz is pounding the ball. I checked out their splits over their career, and while Diaz does hit a little better against lefties than righties, it's not THAT big a split (.772 OPS vs RHP, .825 vs. LHP; that's on-base % plus slugging %.) If I were the manager, Diaz would be getting most of the playing time until he proved he was having trouble hitting right-handers. LF is one of the two positions from which you've GOT to have offense, and even though it's early, Langerhans just isn't providing any yet.

That's Cox, though -- a straight, stubborn platoon guy. It's a quirk when the right-handed guy in the platoon is the one having problems, since he doesn't play as much; when the left-handed guy is in a slump, though, it can be annoying when Cox doggedly sticks with it.

 

[freak]

It's definitely early but at this point I have to agree with you.

 

[freak]

Langerhans is down to .074

 

[Chief]

Langerhans is in the lineup for one reason only - - DEFENSE. He's been terrible at the plate, but he has tons more range in the outfield than Diaz. When he's in the game, the Braves are effectively playing with 3 Centerfielders in the Outfield.

If Langerhans hits at all, he'll keep getting playing time.

 

[freak]

Well, he's not hitting at all.

 

[Chief]

Well, he's not hitting at all.

I know . . . I was at the game Wednesday night and the lady sitting next to me looked up at his batting average on the scoreboard and said "My God, he's hitting 80 cents."

 

[freak]

That's great stuff!

You were at the game? I'm jealous. I've got to make it down soon.

 

[Chief]

I was at the first game of the Cubs series in the Lexus Level. I love it up there.

 

[freak]

Sweet. Which one is the Lexus level?

 

[Chief]

It's what would be called the Club Level at just about any other ballpark. I paid full price for the tickets, and it was still only $35 to sit up there which I don't think is too bad a deal for what you get.

 

[freak]

It's what would be called the Club Level at just about any other ballpark. I paid full price for the tickets, and it was still only $35 to sit up there which I don't think is too bad a deal for what you get.

which is........

 

[smoltz]

The middle section pretty much. On the edge of the overhang i guess.

 

[Chief]

which is........

a slightly larger seat that is guaranteed to be under cover in the club level just a few feet from a climate controlled area with plenty of concessions, restrooms etc. Best of all though, access to the LExus Level is restricted to those holding tickets in the level, so it's not crowded at all. If you need to leave your seat and get something to eat or use the restroom, you can be back in your seat in just a minute or two.

 

[freak]

Sounds like the place to be. I'll have to remember that.

 

[Vercingetorix]

Langerhans is in the lineup for one reason only - - DEFENSE. He's been terrible at the plate, but he has tons more range in the outfield than Diaz. When he's in the game, the Braves are effectively playing with 3 Centerfielders in the Outfield.

If Langerhans hits at all, he'll keep getting playing time.

There was a quote from Cox to that effect in the AJC yesterday -- that his defense is so good that it's hard to take him out.

I think it's a bad move. You can afford to sacrifice some hitting at some other positions, but not in left. It's the least important defensive position on the field. LF and 1B are the two spots where you've GOT to have offense because the two positions are so relatively easy to play, and the Braves aren't getting much out of either of them so far.

 

[Chief]

I think it would be a little different if Langerhans was being counted on for his bat, but let's face it, he's already hitting in the 8th spot for a reason.

 

[freak]

I think it would be a little different if Langerhans was being counted on for his bat, but let's face it, he's already hitting in the 8th spot for a reason.

So how much longer are you willing to give him? You think he should stay out there even if he continues to struggle this bad?

 

[Chief]

So how much longer are you willing to give him? You think he should stay out there even if he continues to struggle this bad?

Clearly something's got to give before too long, but it's not like Cox is sticking him out there everyday either. He's already got fewer ABs than Diaz or Wilson.

At some point, especially given how well he hit this Spring, you'd think the Law of Averages would come into play and he'd start hitting.

 

[Chief]

At some point, especially given how well he hit this Spring, you'd think the Law of Averages would come into play and he'd start hitting.

0-4 tonight and now down to .056 . . . I'm beginning to doubt the Law of Averages.

I don't think I've ever seen a batting average that low.