Did Adam Dunn Curse the Reds Left Fielders?

by Slyde on Jun 2, 2009 2:44 PM EDT in Features Comment 50 comments

I have no justification for accusing Adam Dunn of witchcraft, though I have heard unconfirmed rumors that he spends the off-season with a secret Druid cult. However, I am a bit suspicious that our left fielders could have been hexed because they've been flat out awful this year:

Reds 2009 Production by Position
Split	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	OPS+
as 2B	.288	.347	.524	.871	130
as 1B	.326	.427	.529	.957	125
as C	.309	.379	.410	.789	117
as RF	.250	.326	.510	.836	108
as SS	.263	.312	.411	.723	101
as CF	.268	.326	.346	.672	79
as 3B	.205	.307	.324	.631	68
as LF	.209	.286	.346	.632	60

The production that the Reds have received from Left Field is the worst in the National League. They are at the bottom of the league in batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage. I was honestly a little surprised to see this when I looked it up. I feel like Laynce Nix, Jerry Hairston Jr., and Jonny Gomes have performed well and Chris Dickerson is starting to come around. But the weird thing is, they've all been doing their best at positions other than left field. Here are the the four players' combined numbers in LF compared to all other plate appearances:

Split	PA	AVG	OBP	SLG
as LF	194	.214	.289	.329
as Other	205	.313	.291	.557

As we all know, most of this is just coincidental, but it is still surprising. Dusty Baker has done a very good job of managing the platoon in LF, outside of the 20 PAs given to Darnell McDonald, of course. Neither Nix (.154/.154/.231 vs LHP) nor Dickerson (.111/.333/.111) have faced many lefties, and Gomes has only faced righties out of necessity. Yet somehow the offense from the actual left fielder has been a giant black hole.

Clearly I don't think we can expect such dismal production out of that spot all season, but I do believe the Reds should be concerned at such a lack of production from a key offensive position. With Joey Votto out, it might make sense to start shopping around for some help either in LF or at 1B. Having two sub-par (yes, Ramon Hernandez is sub-par at 1st base) positions, especially at key offensive positions, is not a recipe for winning baseball. If at all possible, Walt Jocketty needs to try to find a good bat somewhere to fill those spots if the Reds want to stay in this race for long.

Another possibility to consider to is promoting someone from the Minor Leagues. Right now there really isn't anybody in Louisville who would likely be a significant upgrade - Drew Stubbs hits like a center fielder - but the Reds could promote either Todd Frazier or Chris Heisey to Louisville and start getting them primed for a mid-summer call up if the Reds need them. Both players are tearing the cover off of the ball in Carolina and moving them up now might give them a chance to get more easily acclimated to the big leagues if the need arises. And with the production they've been getting out of left field, it may not take long for the need to arise.

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Comments

Hmm, this is indeed disturbing

One could see how going out and getting a big bat for LF would be a Number One Priority.

by Brendanukkah on Jun 2, 2009 2:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Solution:

Play two Centerfielders.

by jacob brumfield on Jun 2, 2009 2:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This is just me thinking out loud, don't pay too much mind to it but

I would imagine, in a perfect world, Votto, Willy and Bruce in the outfield and Yonder on first base.

I dunno, just throwing it out there.

Needless to say, this didn't work and everybody died.

by SullivanSmith on Jun 2, 2009 3:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not this year

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Jun 2, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well no, I'm just playing imaginary happy fun times here

In this world, I also have a pony

Needless to say, this didn't work and everybody died.

by SullivanSmith on Jun 2, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Sweet!

He sits alone...Reds are not home.

by Gapper on Jun 2, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I also get the impression that 3B is being cursed

by Adam Rosales.

He sits alone...Reds are not home.

by Gapper on Jun 2, 2009 3:14 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Hey, he may not be able to hit

But at least he sucks at fielding.

by Brendanukkah on Jun 2, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

but you are not allowed to hate on him

because he is a dork, and so are you.

"I lay my head on the railroad tracks, and wait for the double E"- Warren Zevon

by Colin Auscapee on Jun 2, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wanna know how big a dork I am?

I somehow surpassed both Caleb and Slyde and now have the most comments on Red Reporter.

FML.

by Brendanukkah on Jun 2, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Only because Slyde is too cool to show up for a game thread.

"I lay my head on the railroad tracks, and wait for the double E"- Warren Zevon

by Colin Auscapee on Jun 2, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a great site, along with textsfromlastnight

"It seems as if every mistake I've ever made in life I've had an erection in one hand and a Bud Light in the other."

by jch24 on Jun 2, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

just 27 more comments to 20K

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Jun 2, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wreck'd

Baseball worshiped here.

by Daedalus on Jun 2, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe somebody cursed the left field line

and all who approach it.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Jun 2, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The visiting team seems to make it across with pretty decent results.

by Brendanukkah on Jun 2, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

this whole "subpar at first base" thing always makes me wonder (or other positions)

doesn’t the overpar at second make up for it? i mean, doesn’t brandon phillips make up for deficiencies in one of the power positions? cuz, you know, second basemen can’t hit.

Baseball worshiped here.

by Daedalus on Jun 2, 2009 3:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

somewhat

but with Votto out of the lineup, the Reds basically have one average 1B (Phillips), one average corner outfielder (Bruce), and a bunch of middle infielders and catchers. Actually, that’s not even true, LF and 3B have probably performed at sub-middle infielder levels so far this year.

The problem is that when you are well below average at predominately offensive positions (1B, corner OF, 3B), you need a player that is far superior to his competition at the other spots to make up for it. BP is the only one that comes close to that this year.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Jun 2, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And that's why I begin to wonder about Owings.

As you (or someone else) stated recently, he hits much better as a pinch hitter than when he’s actually in the lineup. How does he compare to other pinch hitters, and, would moving him to LF really help anything seeing as he hits better as a pinch guy (at least according to the small sample sizes)? Compared to other pitchers he’s slightly above average, right? Or are his numbers as a pitcher around league average? (Sorry, I have more questions than time to look up the answers.)

I wouldn’t move Micah out of the five spot because I know he is an above-average No. 5 pitcher. However, I sometimes wonder if he would be the answer to our left-field offensive woes. I’m not saying we convert him to left field, but maybe call up Maloney (send down Janish? We’re not using him anyway) and give Owings 10 games or so to see how he performs.

I know it’s kind of a dumb idea, especially since the Reds are still in it, but if Cincy was to fall out of contention I wouldn’t mind seeing something like that happen.

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans

by Farneyismycopilot on Jun 2, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, i realize we are subpar at 1b, lf, and 3b

and that makes the offense subpar. i was just wondering if bp replaced one of the weaknesses.

it’s really incredible to think about the reds being only 2.5 games out with this crappy offense.

jay is average? if it weren’t for the homers, he’d be below avg, wouldn’t he?

Baseball worshiped here.

by Daedalus on Jun 2, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

pretty much

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Jun 2, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where the lineups at?

johnfayman is falling down on the job.

"I lay my head on the railroad tracks, and wait for the double E"- Warren Zevon

by Colin Auscapee on Jun 2, 2009 5:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Via The Fay:

Willy Taveras 8
Jay Bruce 9
Brandon Phillips 4
Ramon Hernandez 3
Laynce Nix 7
Alex Gonzalez 6
Adam Rosales 5
Ryan Hanigan 2
Bronson Arroyo 1

"Sir, can you please put your pants back on?"

by Ash on Jun 2, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It appears Dusty has decided to think outside of the box today.

"Sir, can you please put your pants back on?"

by Ash on Jun 2, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What does Laynce need to do to hit cleanup?

And consider me intrigued by Bruce batting 2nd…

"We, as for me all seasons you are affected peculiarly in the edge of my seat and are happy concerning the fact that the Adam Dunn fan has been mixed up exactly." - Reynard-san

by BK on Jun 2, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

me too

hope it works

Baseball worshiped here.

by Daedalus on Jun 2, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sheldon Tweet

Volquez has right elbow tendinits. No baseball activity for 7-10 days. Headed back to DL. Burton will be recalled pending MLB approval.

Anybody else afraid this a pre-cursor to Mr. Tommy John Surgery? Kremchek doesn’t exactly have the best diagnosing skills.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Jun 2, 2009 5:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wonderful

What the hell is going on? I thought this was a minor back issue. Really hope this doesn’t warrant surgery.

BTW, when you met Will Carroll, did you get a chance to ask him if the Reds’ medical staff is the worst or merely among the worst when it comes to diagnosing?

by ken on Jun 2, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I seem to recall him thinking that Doc Kremchek was the bee's knees

but then I think we were talking about surgery.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Jun 2, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He is apparently considered a shoulder expert

The Yankees sent Posada to see him (among others) when they were considering surgery last year.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Jun 2, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, yeah, and Edinson needs to grow a pair.

"Sir, can you please put your pants back on?"

by Ash on Jun 2, 2009 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

So, apparently Voltron is back on the DL

And we’re bringing back up BURTON?

Needless to say, this didn't work and everybody died.

by SullivanSmith on Jun 2, 2009 5:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Pending MLB approval, yup.

It appears we’re ignoring Saturday for the time being.

"Sir, can you please put your pants back on?"

by Ash on Jun 2, 2009 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm fine with that

It’ll be nice to have an extra arm around for the next few days

"We, as for me all seasons you are affected peculiarly in the edge of my seat and are happy concerning the fact that the Adam Dunn fan has been mixed up exactly." - Reynard-san

by BK on Jun 2, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My question is

In Edinson going to miss a start because of this? And if so, who is pitching for him?

Needless to say, this didn't work and everybody died.

by SullivanSmith on Jun 2, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's definitely missing a start:

No baseball activity for 7-10 days.

"Sir, can you please put your pants back on?"

by Ash on Jun 2, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, he can't pitch if he's going on the DL

They won’t need a starter until Saturday, which happens to be Matt Maloney’s next scheduled day in AAA. They’ll probably make another move before Saturday.

"We, as for me all seasons you are affected peculiarly in the edge of my seat and are happy concerning the fact that the Adam Dunn fan has been mixed up exactly." - Reynard-san

by BK on Jun 2, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disapprove of this development

did it test well with the focus groups? My stories used to be so intriguing, and now they gone and screwed em all up. Where is ’than to remind us about Josh Hamilton?

"I lay my head on the railroad tracks, and wait for the double E"- Warren Zevon

by Colin Auscapee on Jun 2, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Josh Hamilton

Has been injured or on the DL most of this season. He had an MRI on Monday for a groin injury. (The DL was for a rib injury.)

He’s batting .240, with a .290 OBP.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Jun 2, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I actually did know about this

and I predicted he would not hold up well when he was tearing the world up.

But, if we’re talking about Tommy John (Darwin forbid), you have to figure the Rangers are getting more utility out of that trade this year. Of course I do not believe it is all that serious. And I appreciate this extremely cautious approach, and am hoping that that is all this is.

Someone was bound to miss time, sucks that it is EV. Now we get to see some of that pitching depth we were so tickled about back in March.

"I lay my head on the railroad tracks, and wait for the double E"- Warren Zevon

by Colin Auscapee on Jun 2, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But Hamilton's MRI

showed there may be surgery in his future. Abdominal strain? Hernia? Something like that.

They’re explicitly talking surgery with Hamilton, while we’re just speculating with Voltron.

It’s really kind of strange how they both went on the DL the same day.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Jun 2, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Plus

we’ve still got DRH dealing.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Jun 2, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's a sports hernia

Which is really unfortunate for someone who plays sports.

by ken on Jun 2, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I brought this up before and I know it's not nice to say

But if you’re the Rangers’ doctor and Hamilton has surgery, what do you give him for pain? And are you comfortable doing it?

"It seems as if every mistake I've ever made in life I've had an erection in one hand and a Bud Light in the other."

by jch24 on Jun 2, 2009 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

/Covers ears

LA LA LA LA
I CAN’T HEAR YOU!
LA LA LA LA

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans

by Farneyismycopilot on Jun 2, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

me either...

Nobody listens to Andrew

by nlt-andrew68 on Jun 2, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

might be a short term thing

They could bring him up to shore up the pen, then swap him for Maloney when they need a starter.

I’m sure if there were no roster issues, they’d bring up Viola or someone instead, but it’s just easier all around to call up someone already on the 40-man.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Jun 2, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs