I think if Ortiz had a lower body that could withstand playing 150+ games at 1B he'd still be at the position. The mental aspect of having to gear up for your 4-5 PA without being on the field must be psychologically harder. Most players perform better when they have a field position. Even bat first guys like Giambi, Encarnacion, Thome, Thomas performed significantly better with gloves.Nice article .. Thanks for posting ..
Of course, the big advantage that Papi enjoys in this whole "records in their final year" thing is that he's been a DH for thirteen years. Who knows what the final years of most Hall of Famers would have looked like if they had enjoyed similar advantages.
I would think it's more about consistency than actually having a defensive position. None of the guys you listed as having trouble while DHing did it for any length of time as their only position.I think if Ortiz had a lower body that could withstand playing 150+ games at 1B he'd still be at the position. The mental aspect of having to gear up for your 4-5 PA without being on the field must be psychologically harder. Most players perform better when they have a field position. Even bat first guys like Giambi, Encarnacion, Thome, Thomas performed significantly better with gloves.
Ironically Manny hit pretty well as a DH (.950+ OPS in 332 G). Never really had a chance to cement himself there between all those DH type hitters in Cleveland and then Ortiz.
Not really. Without the defensive component of the game your total contributions depend on the 4-5 PA you get a night.I would think it's more about consistency than actually having a defensive position.
Suggesting that it must have been harder for Ortiz to hit while solely a DH than it would have been as a first baseman is, well, weird.
Half of Frank Thomas' PA are from DHNone of the guys you listed as having trouble while DHing did it for any length of time as their only position.
Wait... you don't think the ability to study video between at-bats is valuable? That playing the field helps a DH hit better?Not really. Without the defensive component of the game your total contributions depend on the 4-5 PA you get a night.
Find me a DH that significantly improved offensively when making the switch outside of Ortiz and Martinez. I mean, since it's supposedly easier to hit there.
Half of Frank Thomas' PA are from DH
Since 2012 Edwin's been pretty much 50/50 DH/Field.
Billy Butler, full time DH since 26. Better hitter as a 1B. Jason Giambi and Pizza have gone on record about how they hate DH'ing as well.
I don't think its as far fetched as you propose.
You don't position players have the ability to study video between at-bats? Of course it's valuable.Wait... you don't think the ability to study video between at-bats is valuable?
And as a DH, Ortiz has more time to study his previous at-bats.You don't position players have the ability to study video between at-bats? Of course it's valuable.
When do position players have time to study video on previous at-bats during the game the way a DH does?Better hitter as a 1B.
The numbers show that it does (see post #11, among many studies).And as a DH, Ortiz has more time to study his previous at-bats.
Yet, you said:
When do position players have time to study video on previous at-bats during the game the way a DH does?
Obviously, they don't. They may get to glance at something in between innings, but that is at most a minute – it isn't "study."
So... I ask again: You think that playing the field helps a [player] hit better?
I can't say for certain that it doesn't. So if you want to put me in a corner I'll bite and say yes.So... I ask again: You think that playing the field helps a [player] hit better?
Do you find it compelling when applied to Ortiz (or Martinez)?The numbers show that it does (see post #11, among many studies).
I think it might. I think for some hitters, there is a "competitive advantage" to be found via in-game study of video, either prior in-game at-bats against the starter or against likely relievers.I can't say for certain that it doesn't. So if you want to put me in a corner I'll bite and say yes.
Do you think DH'ing confers an offensive advantage? (outside of health)