More Itching

As you probably know, in today's game of baseball, on-base percentage is valued very much (as it should be). Jeff Francoeur, for example, is derided by many due to his inability to take a walk.

There are, however, certain players (like Albert Pujols, Luis Castillo, Derek Jeter and many others) who use walks effectively as an offensive weapon.

And then there's Ichiro. Ichiro is a speedster. He has stolen at least 26 bases every year of his career, while totalling over 40 three times. He's the exact kind of player that you would think would try to take as many pitches as possible, try to walk as much as possible, so that he could get on base and steal bases and use his speed. But he doesn't. Never.

Now, you never really hear Ichiro criticized for this* because his OBP is never low. His high batting averages (.352 this year, good for second in the AL) kind of camouflage the fact that he doesn't take any pitches.

Jeff Francoeur, who never walks, walked 23 times this year, to Ichiro's 32. Here's the thing: Ichiro was intentionally walked 15 times. Francouer was intentionally walked 5 times.** So Jeff Let-me-swing-at-everything Francoeur actually drew more walks of his own volition than Ichiro did.***

Also, with a minimum of 632 plate appearances, the leader in fewest walks drawn is Migue Tejada, with 19. Two were intentional. Ichiro tied the leader in fewest walks in unintentional walks. Just something to chew on.

* I don't know how accurate this really is. Ichiro has such a weird hitting style that he might not be able to be the player he is if he wouldn't be so aggressive at the plate. I really don't know. But I'm assuming not.

** Which is a scary thought, in-and-of itself. Jeff Francoeur was intentionally walked 5 times? Wow!

*** Of course. How many walks did you expect Ichiro to draw of Francoeur's volition?

Not Fresh But Still Funny:

Jordan

There's been a lot of chatter about moving Piazza to 1B. My feeling is that he's of more value as a catcher even with all the stolen bases, especially with offense at such a premium for the Mets. What's your take?

Bill James

(4:44 PM)

I'd move him, and let Mo Vaughn catch. I think he'd throw out about as many runners, and it would be more entertaining to watch.

(http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/3503)

* * *

I was speaking with somebody today, and he told me that he hates the Marlins. For crying out loud, who hates the Marlins? They're not a great team, they don't have a great history, and this guy is not even a fan of a National League team!