Let it Snow at 1B?
New free agent acquisition J.T. Snow brings with him a rep as a slick fielding first baseman. Along with his six Gold Gloves, Snow also gives Red Sox fans a legitimate debate topic as to who should get the most playing time at first: Kevin Youkilis or Snow?
Despite the Moneyball wonks’ love of Youkilis’ on-base percentage, he’s still an unproven commodity at the major league level over a full season. Then you have Snow whose last season with more than 500 ABs was in 2000. His offensive numbers since becoming a part-time player have been modest at best: 4 HR, 40 RBI, .275 BA in 05. This is no John Olerud, folks.
The cause for concern here is that in a lefty-righty platoon, the lefty gets most of the at-bats. Snow’s defense will make amends for a lot of his woes at the plate. Will that be enough for Sox fans? Or will we be hearing “Youk” cries on those days a right-hander takes the mound?
Like every other controversy with our beloved Boston Red Sox, this one will play itself out. But during the hot stove time of year, you really have to wonder how often it will “Snow” in 2006.
Despite the Moneyball wonks’ love of Youkilis’ on-base percentage, he’s still an unproven commodity at the major league level over a full season. Then you have Snow whose last season with more than 500 ABs was in 2000. His offensive numbers since becoming a part-time player have been modest at best: 4 HR, 40 RBI, .275 BA in 05. This is no John Olerud, folks.
The cause for concern here is that in a lefty-righty platoon, the lefty gets most of the at-bats. Snow’s defense will make amends for a lot of his woes at the plate. Will that be enough for Sox fans? Or will we be hearing “Youk” cries on those days a right-hander takes the mound?
Like every other controversy with our beloved Boston Red Sox, this one will play itself out. But during the hot stove time of year, you really have to wonder how often it will “Snow” in 2006.
posted by Joe D' at 6:24 AM
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