Add new comment

There's something about the idea of paying for the first and second legit thumpers into a toothless batting order, as opposed to bringing in the 7th such thumper.  A Paul Konerko would have one value to a weak lineup, and maybe a lesser value when added to the Rangers' lineup.
It seems to have something to do with preventing the pitcher from getting into a rocking chair, of making him labor against the batters in front of the danger batters, of a lot of factors that we haven't captured yet, as G put it.
Your point 1) sort of reminded me of a non-linear "synergy" for a 100-RBI guy when intersected with a non-functioning offense vs. a functioning offense.  Would be interested in your opinion on that.
But I think you could show that GM's are more shrill about getting the first MOTO hitter into their team then they are for the fifth.