Would You Rather...?
I'll do one here...
inspired by, not one, but two 3 HR performances today and the expectation of the third guy coming back this week...
Would you rather own Albert Pujols, David Ortiz or Ryan Howard?
I'll start with the numbers....
Ryan Howard: .306 avg. 52 HR 133 RBI 88 runs 0 SB
Albert Pujols : .321 avg. 42 HR 114 RBI 100 runs 5 SB
David Ortiz : .287 avg. 47 HR 121 RBI 99 runs 1 SB
First of all, let me just admit the absolute ridiculousness of this comparison as all three are unbelievable. Having one of these guys on your team is a HUGE advantage. Simple fact that they do the work of atleast 2 hitters on your opponent's team. Right? Craig Monroe + Nick Swisher = Big Papi? Probably not even, just based on the hit you'll take in batting average.
But if you had to make the choice who would it be? Pujols has to be given an edge just based on the numbers, right? After all, you have to take into consideration his injury and the 60 odd fewer at bats he received this year. What would his power totals look like today had he played every game -- which mind you, he has in years past. This was really his first significant injury. But an injury nonetheless and something you now need to take into consideration.
In this whole "post-steroids/present HGH" era we are currently in, that was the first thing people cried when Albert went down with his oblique strain. All those comparisons to Sammy Sosa's coughing that put him on the DL? I guess it's not something that you can ignore when making your decision. Could he turn into the injury prone, body breaking down due to steroid/HGH abuse kinda guy? Will he spend the next few seasons on and off the DL with the various tweaks and pulls? He's done what he's done now for 6 straight seasons. Your body doesn't work the same today as it did six years ago. It's something to consider when making your choice.
So if we're talking potential injuries, how about we address present ones? As much of a beast as Ortiz is, as much of a clutch player (and I don't ever use that term lightly) as he is, does this current heart/chest condition bring down his value? His numbers are outstanding. Always have been since coming over to Boston. But now we're looking at time missed and a condition that still is undefined. It could be nothing, but it could be something. Maybe medication will do the trick, maybe he just needs a "relaxation therapist" in the clubhouse. I'm sure we'll find out soon, but for now, it's all up in the air.
Also with Ortiz, you have the whole position eligibility question. He's a DH, pure and simple. Sure there are some leagues (one of mine, in fact) where you can use a DH at first base, but in most he qualifies in one slot and one slot only. I mean, don't get me wrong, having him as my DH would be an absolute joy...maybe not at this moment, but overall, sure. But you can't ignore the fact that it limits your flexibility for your roster; that is unless you have a 10 games or under eligibility requirement.
So that brings us to Howard. 26 years old, plays first base every day, current leader in home runs and RBI. And to be honest here, I don't think we're going to hear his name in doping rumors. He's a big guy with a huge power swing. He's the real deal. Think of it as a rich man's Adam Dunn...better power and a MUCH better batting eye. Obviously someone can always say, "well what if he gets hurt?", but even if you go back to the days in the minors he never (knock wood) has missed any extended time due to an injury. Sounds almost too good to be true, doesn't it? The only "flaw" I can see is the lack of stolen bases that you would see if you picked Pujols over him. But that's about it.
So after all that I'm picking Ryan Howard. He's got the power, the average, the roster flexibility, the youth and c'mon.....he's gonna be 27 next year. All of this and he's not peaking until next season? What I wouldn't give to see him chase the single season record.
inspired by, not one, but two 3 HR performances today and the expectation of the third guy coming back this week...
Would you rather own Albert Pujols, David Ortiz or Ryan Howard?
I'll start with the numbers....
Ryan Howard: .306 avg. 52 HR 133 RBI 88 runs 0 SB
Albert Pujols : .321 avg. 42 HR 114 RBI 100 runs 5 SB
David Ortiz : .287 avg. 47 HR 121 RBI 99 runs 1 SB
First of all, let me just admit the absolute ridiculousness of this comparison as all three are unbelievable. Having one of these guys on your team is a HUGE advantage. Simple fact that they do the work of atleast 2 hitters on your opponent's team. Right? Craig Monroe + Nick Swisher = Big Papi? Probably not even, just based on the hit you'll take in batting average.
But if you had to make the choice who would it be? Pujols has to be given an edge just based on the numbers, right? After all, you have to take into consideration his injury and the 60 odd fewer at bats he received this year. What would his power totals look like today had he played every game -- which mind you, he has in years past. This was really his first significant injury. But an injury nonetheless and something you now need to take into consideration.
In this whole "post-steroids/present HGH" era we are currently in, that was the first thing people cried when Albert went down with his oblique strain. All those comparisons to Sammy Sosa's coughing that put him on the DL? I guess it's not something that you can ignore when making your decision. Could he turn into the injury prone, body breaking down due to steroid/HGH abuse kinda guy? Will he spend the next few seasons on and off the DL with the various tweaks and pulls? He's done what he's done now for 6 straight seasons. Your body doesn't work the same today as it did six years ago. It's something to consider when making your choice.
So if we're talking potential injuries, how about we address present ones? As much of a beast as Ortiz is, as much of a clutch player (and I don't ever use that term lightly) as he is, does this current heart/chest condition bring down his value? His numbers are outstanding. Always have been since coming over to Boston. But now we're looking at time missed and a condition that still is undefined. It could be nothing, but it could be something. Maybe medication will do the trick, maybe he just needs a "relaxation therapist" in the clubhouse. I'm sure we'll find out soon, but for now, it's all up in the air.
Also with Ortiz, you have the whole position eligibility question. He's a DH, pure and simple. Sure there are some leagues (one of mine, in fact) where you can use a DH at first base, but in most he qualifies in one slot and one slot only. I mean, don't get me wrong, having him as my DH would be an absolute joy...maybe not at this moment, but overall, sure. But you can't ignore the fact that it limits your flexibility for your roster; that is unless you have a 10 games or under eligibility requirement.
So that brings us to Howard. 26 years old, plays first base every day, current leader in home runs and RBI. And to be honest here, I don't think we're going to hear his name in doping rumors. He's a big guy with a huge power swing. He's the real deal. Think of it as a rich man's Adam Dunn...better power and a MUCH better batting eye. Obviously someone can always say, "well what if he gets hurt?", but even if you go back to the days in the minors he never (knock wood) has missed any extended time due to an injury. Sounds almost too good to be true, doesn't it? The only "flaw" I can see is the lack of stolen bases that you would see if you picked Pujols over him. But that's about it.
So after all that I'm picking Ryan Howard. He's got the power, the average, the roster flexibility, the youth and c'mon.....he's gonna be 27 next year. All of this and he's not peaking until next season? What I wouldn't give to see him chase the single season record.
posted by Howard Bender at
6:11 PM
