October 7, 200817 yr Watching Alexei, it seems he's become much more selective at the plate as the season has gone on. When looking at his gamelog, you see his BB/K numbers seriously improve in September and in the postseason. March + April: 33 AB, 1 BB to 6 K May: 61 AB, 1 BB, 9 K June: 93 AB, 4 BB, 9 K July: 91 AB, 3 BB, 14 K August: 107 AB, 1 BB, 13 K September + October: 107 AB, 9 BB, 11 K We all know Alexei isn't going to ever walk a whole lot, but if he can maintain his September + October BB/K numbers throughout the next season, he could easily end up a .350 OBP type of player, if not a bit higher. For example, if Alexei had walked 9 times per month this year and hit like he did, he's getting on at a .362 clip. If Alexei's increased discipline is for real, then I think you have to move this guy up. You want to give him more at-bats, but you also want him to be able to utilize his speed, and he can't do that as often if he's hitting behind the slow sluggers. Because he makes very good contact and has speed he would make sense as a #2 hitter, but then again if you put him there you'd have Ozzie taking the bat out of his hands at times. If his discipline does hold up I think Alexei best profiles as #3 hitter, with Quentin as a clean-up hitter, but in order to do that the Sox have to get some players good enough to hit first or second. If the rumors are true and KW is going to go hard after both Hudson and Figgins, a Figgins-Hudson-Ramirez-Quentin top four is pretty f***ing sick actually. Lots of possibilities there. So anyway, who thinks Alexei's BB/K numbers the last month are a sign of things to come from him? And where would you hit him next year?
October 7, 200817 yr We should be seeing Alexei bat 2nd and CQ bat 3rd for the next few years. BTW, what's Alexei's contract status?
October 7, 200817 yr QUOTE (fathom @ Oct 6, 2008 -> 08:10 PM) We should be seeing Alexei bat 2nd and CQ bat 3rd for the next few years. BTW, what's Alexei's contract status? I believe he was signed for 4 years. So he is under control for a bit.
October 7, 200817 yr Author QUOTE (fathom @ Oct 6, 2008 -> 08:10 PM) We should be seeing Alexei bat 2nd and CQ bat 3rd for the next few years. BTW, what's Alexei's contract status? 4 years, like $5 million total or something. Very, very, very cheap. I'm thinking he'll get a re-worked contract that is extended out a couple years sometime after next season. He deserves the raise and the added security wouldn't hurt at all. Edited October 7, 200817 yr by Kenny Hates Prospects
October 7, 200817 yr QUOTE (Cali @ Oct 6, 2008 -> 08:17 PM) Roberts Ramirez Quentin A boy can dream can't he? How about: Roberts Swisher Quentin Dye Thome Konerko Beltre Pierzynski Ramirez
October 7, 200817 yr If Alexi can improve his base stealing and bat control, then he could bat second. If not, I'd like to see him down in the 5th/6th spot (depending on who's still on the roster). With his current skill set, he's more of a run producer. He could be a 100 RBI guy, IMO. Don't put a leash on him by batting him second and expecting him to move runners over, take pitches, etc. Unleash him. Edited October 7, 200817 yr by sircaffey
October 7, 200817 yr QUOTE (whitesoxbrian @ Oct 6, 2008 -> 08:22 PM) How about: Roberts Swisher Quentin Dye Thome Konerko Beltre Pierzynski Ramirez You want Alexei getting the fewest PAs?
October 7, 200817 yr If you move alexei up from the bottom of the lineup, I can't put him higher than 5th. If quentin stays as dangerous as he was this year though, you could make an argument that alexei would see great pitches in front of him.
October 7, 200817 yr Author QUOTE (whitesoxbrian @ Oct 6, 2008 -> 08:22 PM) How about: Roberts Swisher Quentin Dye Thome Konerko Beltre Pierzynski Ramirez How about: Getz Swisher Markakis Mora Jones Scott Huff Hernandez Castro ...for the Orioles
October 7, 200817 yr I would have no problems batting Alexi 2nd. He would see more fastballs with Quentin and the rest of the big boppers behind him. He also seemed to take more pitches as season progressed.
October 7, 200817 yr QUOTE (whitesoxbrian @ Oct 6, 2008 -> 09:22 PM) How about: Roberts Swisher Quentin Dye Thome Konerko Beltre Pierzynski Ramirez Genius. Lets give Alexei the least amount of PA! That's what you normally do with good hitters, right?
October 7, 200817 yr I honestly see him hitting either #1 or #5. I don't think that he would be such a good #2 hitter becuase those guys are supposed to take pitches and lay down bunts etc... Alexei's game is all about being aggressive at the plate and swinging whenever he damn well pleases. That's why you can't put him in the 2 slot. If CQ wasn't so damn good I'd say that Alexei would be a great #3 hitter but CQ has more power. If he can improve his basestealing then put him in the 1 spot, if he can't then have him focus on his power stroke and put him at #5.
October 7, 200817 yr QUOTE (Kenny Hates Prospects @ Oct 6, 2008 -> 08:37 PM) How about: Getz Swisher Markakis Mora Jones Scott Huff Hernandez Castro ...for the Orioles so what pitching prospect are you giving up?
October 7, 200817 yr Alexi for leadoff hitter! Just kidding. OC's our leadoff hitter for the next five years. Kidding again. Can we acquire Roberts? Is it possible or likely?
October 7, 200817 yr I want Alexei batting #2 next year. I know he has power and RBI potential, but IMO he's the perfect fit for hitting 2nd. With CQ batting behind him, he's sure to see more fastballs, which he f***ing loves (and i love that he loves them)
October 7, 200817 yr QUOTE (joesaiditstrue @ Oct 7, 2008 -> 01:25 AM) I want Alexei batting #2 next year. I know he has power and RBI potential, but IMO he's the perfect fit for hitting 2nd. With CQ batting behind him, he's sure to see more fastballs, which he f***ing loves (and i love that he loves them) Especially if we trade for a guy like Figgins to lead off. He will see more fastballs to keep the leadoff man from stealing and to not walk him with a guy like Quentin behind him, it makes too much sense?
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.