Murton getting benched again for lesser player

[CubColtPacer]

He did play Murton a lot in the 2nd half of the season, but I'd like to know how much he played Murton in the first month and a half before the bottom fell out.

 

Through the end of games on June 4th, Murton had started all but 4 games through the first 2 months of the season.

[Fred Hornkohl]

He did play Murton a lot in the 2nd half of the season, but I'd like to know how much he played Murton in the first month and a half before the bottom fell out.

 

Murton             AB    R    H   2B   3B   HR   TB  RBI   BB   SO     BA    OBP    SLG    OPS
04/03 - 04/30      77   12   22    4    1    2   34   16   10   13  0.286  0.368  0.442  0.809
05/01 - 05/31      84   13   24    3    0    2   33    4    8   12  0.286  0.358  0.393  0.751
06/02 - 06/30      66    8   16    0    0    0   16    1    4   11  0.242  0.286  0.242  0.528
07/01 - 07/31      49    9   18    2    1    0   22    7    6    4  0.367  0.429  0.449  0.878
08/01 - 08/30      82   12   26    5    0    5   46   22    6    8  0.317  0.364  0.561  0.925
09/01 - 09/30      92   15   31    7    1    4   52   10   11   16  0.337  0.425  0.565  0.990
10/01               4    1    1    0    0    0    1    0    0    0  0.250  0.250  0.250  0.500

04/03 - 10/01     454   70  138   21    3   13  204   60   45   64  0.304  0.372  0.449  0.821

[VanceJergins]

What ticks me off is that Lou is using Dusty's method of helping out the young guy. Give him scattered late inning at bats to help get his stroke back. I would like to point out that this is not a good method.

 

Give me a break. Dusty started Murton 122 times in left field last season. That's more than 75% of the time !!

 

By "young guy", I wasn't just referring to Murton. And besides, when Murton was struggling last year, thats exactly what Dusty did. He barely played him and gave him scattered at bats.

 

Nice attempt at a save there...... but there were only 3 instances all season where Murton did not start for more than 2 consecutive games. Twice he sat for 3 games in a row, and once for 4. The kid got over 500 PAs last year. Now..... you wanna talk about Cedeno ??

 

What are you talking about? "Dusty's method of helping out the young guy" is an obvious reference to Dusty's management of young players. If you want to take it as me only referring to Murton so you can pull out your obscure stats, then so be it. And where I'm specifically referring to Murton is when he was struggling last year. What are the dates for those times when Murton sat for multiple games? Is it during the stretch where he struggled? If so, then what I am saying is true. Dusty has a history of poorly handling young players and Murton was one such example.

[CubColtPacer]

What ticks me off is that Lou is using Dusty's method of helping out the young guy. Give him scattered late inning at bats to help get his stroke back. I would like to point out that this is not a good method.

 

Give me a break. Dusty started Murton 122 times in left field last season. That's more than 75% of the time !!

 

By "young guy", I wasn't just referring to Murton. And besides, when Murton was struggling last year, thats exactly what Dusty did. He barely played him and gave him scattered at bats.

 

Nice attempt at a save there...... but there were only 3 instances all season where Murton did not start for more than 2 consecutive games. Twice he sat for 3 games in a row, and once for 4. The kid got over 500 PAs last year. Now..... you wanna talk about Cedeno ??

 

What are you talking about? "Dusty's method of helping out the young guy" is an obvious reference to Dusty's management of young players. If you want to take it as me only referring to Murton so you can pull out your obscure stats, then so be it. And where I'm specifically referring to Murton is when he was struggling last year. What are the dates for those times when Murton sat for multiple games? Is it during the stretch where he struggled? If so, then what I am saying is true. Dusty has a history of poorly handling young players and Murton was one such example.

 

I don't know how you can prove it was poorly handled. Murton was struggling, Dusty sat him down for a few games and then platooned him for a while, and when Murton started to hit well again. Some people could even make the argument that Murton sitting down was the best thing for him in order for him to get back on his game. Even if you don't want to go that far though, I certainly don't see how it hurt him last year-if it had, he should have continued to slump with the lack of playing time. That's not what happened though.

[NewUserName]

It is a mistake to play Floyd over Murton. The only way that it is not a mistake is if the Cubs win the WS this season. Even then I doubt that Floyd would outproduce Murton by enough to put the Cubs over the top.

 

Last year Murton did get benched for Bynum. Luckily Bynum got hurt or I think Murton would have not gotten a lot of time after the Minnesota series. At least Floyd is a legitimate major league player.

[VanceJergins]

What ticks me off is that Lou is using Dusty's method of helping out the young guy. Give him scattered late inning at bats to help get his stroke back. I would like to point out that this is not a good method.

 

Give me a break. Dusty started Murton 122 times in left field last season. That's more than 75% of the time !!

 

By "young guy", I wasn't just referring to Murton. And besides, when Murton was struggling last year, thats exactly what Dusty did. He barely played him and gave him scattered at bats.

 

Nice attempt at a save there...... but there were only 3 instances all season where Murton did not start for more than 2 consecutive games. Twice he sat for 3 games in a row, and once for 4. The kid got over 500 PAs last year. Now..... you wanna talk about Cedeno ??

 

What are you talking about? "Dusty's method of helping out the young guy" is an obvious reference to Dusty's management of young players. If you want to take it as me only referring to Murton so you can pull out your obscure stats, then so be it. And where I'm specifically referring to Murton is when he was struggling last year. What are the dates for those times when Murton sat for multiple games? Is it during the stretch where he struggled? If so, then what I am saying is true. Dusty has a history of poorly handling young players and Murton was one such example.

 

I don't know how you can prove it was poorly handled. Murton was struggling, Dusty sat him down for a few games and then platooned him for a while, and when Murton started to hit well again. Some people could even make the argument that Murton sitting down was the best thing for him in order for him to get back on his game. Even if you don't want to go that far though, I certainly don't see how it hurt him last year-if it had, he should have continued to slump with the lack of playing time. That's not what happened though.

 

He's always hit. He hit at every minor league level and he hit his rookie year and the beginning of last year. The time he struggled last year was the only time he's struggled in his career. He was bound to break out of it.

[Fred Hornkohl]

 

What are you talking about? "Dusty's method of helping out the young guy" is an obvious reference to Dusty's management of young players. If you want to take it as me only referring to Murton so you can pull out your obscure stats, then so be it. And where I'm specifically referring to Murton is when he was struggling last year. What are the dates for those times when Murton sat for multiple games? Is it during the stretch where he struggled? If so, then what I am saying is true. Dusty has a history of poorly handling young players and Murton was one such example.

 

I'm talking about the difference between perception and reality. When Murton got over 500 PAs last year and Cedeno had over 550, your assertions about the "Dusty method of helping out the young guy" just don't ring true.

[CubColtPacer]

It is a mistake to play Floyd over Murton. The only way that it is not a mistake is if the Cubs win the WS this season. Even then I doubt that Floyd would outproduce Murton by enough to put the Cubs over the top.

 

Last year Murton did get benched for Bynum. Luckily Bynum got hurt or I think Murton would have not gotten a lot of time after the Minnesota series. At least Floyd is a legitimate major league player.

 

I found the note about Murton and Bynum. For all the talk about Bynum (the fantasy note was dated June 15th) he started 3 out of the next 10 games before he got hurt, while Murton started 6 of those games. I don't think Murton ever got benched for Bynum.

[Sammy Sofa]

I like having Floyd on this team, but he's not going to forget how to hit if he sits for too long. Murton definitely seems very "rusty" in what time he's getting, and I'd like to see him get to work through that, otherwise he's not gonna be any good to the team as a fulltime or part-time player.

[VanceJergins]

 

What are you talking about? "Dusty's method of helping out the young guy" is an obvious reference to Dusty's management of young players. If you want to take it as me only referring to Murton so you can pull out your obscure stats, then so be it. And where I'm specifically referring to Murton is when he was struggling last year. What are the dates for those times when Murton sat for multiple games? Is it during the stretch where he struggled? If so, then what I am saying is true. Dusty has a history of poorly handling young players and Murton was one such example.

 

I'm talking about the difference between perception and reality. When Murton got over 500 PAs last year and Cedeno had over 550, your assertions about the "Dusty method of helping out the young guy" just don't ring true.

 

You have to look at who was available to replace them. Murton was often benched in favor of Pagan and Bynum (young, but not exactly prospects) and Cedeno was benched for Neifi. Imagine how few PA's they would have gotten if there were legitimate options to replace them.

[RichHillIsABeast]

It is a mistake to play Floyd over Murton. The only way that it is not a mistake is if the Cubs win the WS this season. Even then I doubt that Floyd would outproduce Murton by enough to put the Cubs over the top.

 

Last year Murton did get benched for Bynum. Luckily Bynum got hurt or I think Murton would have not gotten a lot of time after the Minnesota series. At least Floyd is a legitimate major league player.

 

It's a mistake to play Floyd over Murton? Not so far it isn't. The '07 regular season numbers disagree with you.

 

This isn't the prospect development league. The Cubs are out to win ballgames.

 

The only position players slugging .400+ are DLee, ARam, DeRosa (now injured), and Floyd.

 

Floyd is one of the better hitters on this team right now and isn't costing us in the field. But I guess you're right, we should play Murton irregardless of performance on the field.

Edited April 14, 2007 by RichHillIsABeast

[CubColtPacer]

I like having Floyd on this team, but he's not going to forget how to hit if he sits for too long. Murton definitely seems very "rusty" in what time he's getting, and I'd like to see him get to work through that, otherwise he's not gonna be any good to the team as a fulltime or part-time player.

 

From taking a glance through the batter/pitcher matchups this week, my guess is that Murton will get the majority of starts (only updated through Thursday), mostly because Floyd has struggled against a couple right-handers that the Cubs will face this week, as well as the Cubs will face a left-hander on Wednesday I believe. I'm not sure about the start tomorrow though, in fact I'm leaning towards Floyd getting that one. I definitely think Murton will start getting some more starts here soon though.

This past week has just been a couple pitching matchups that were favorable to Floyd, and then the club wanting Floyd's power when Ramirez went out, plus Murton not being able to get a start that he certainly would have gotten because of the snowed out game.

Edited April 14, 2007 by CubColtPacer

[VanceJergins]

 

I don't know how you can prove it was poorly handled. Murton was struggling, Dusty sat him down for a few games and then platooned him for a while, and when Murton started to hit well again. Some people could even make the argument that Murton sitting down was the best thing for him in order for him to get back on his game. Even if you don't want to go that far though, I certainly don't see how it hurt him last year-if it had, he should have continued to slump with the lack of playing time. That's not what happened though.

 

He's always hit. He hit at every minor league level and he hit his rookie year and the beginning of last year. The time he struggled last year was the only time he's struggled in his career. He was bound to break out of it.

 

Just wanted to compare Murton's minor league stats to his major league stats:

 

MI: .309 .380 .451 831

MLB: .303 .370 .462 832

 

The guy seems pretty consistent. Just let him play and you'll end up with a .300/.370/.450'ish guy, who might improve past that.

[CubColtPacer]

 

I don't know how you can prove it was poorly handled. Murton was struggling, Dusty sat him down for a few games and then platooned him for a while, and when Murton started to hit well again. Some people could even make the argument that Murton sitting down was the best thing for him in order for him to get back on his game. Even if you don't want to go that far though, I certainly don't see how it hurt him last year-if it had, he should have continued to slump with the lack of playing time. That's not what happened though.

 

He's always hit. He hit at every minor league level and he hit his rookie year and the beginning of last year. The time he struggled last year was the only time he's struggled in his career. He was bound to break out of it.

 

Just wanted to compare Murton's minor league stats to his major league stats:

 

MI: .309 .380 .451 831

MLB: .303 .370 .462 832

 

The guy seems pretty consistent. Just let him play and you'll end up with a .300/.370/.450'ish guy, who might improve past that.

 

Both of the years in the majors have been skewed statistically though-Murton was put in situations he could succeed when he was playing part of the time in 05 and 06, and he often sat against pitchers that he would likely struggle against. So in projecting a year for him that would have to be taken into account.

[VanceJergins]

It is a mistake to play Floyd over Murton. The only way that it is not a mistake is if the Cubs win the WS this season. Even then I doubt that Floyd would outproduce Murton by enough to put the Cubs over the top.

 

Last year Murton did get benched for Bynum. Luckily Bynum got hurt or I think Murton would have not gotten a lot of time after the Minnesota series. At least Floyd is a legitimate major league player.

 

It's a mistake to play Floyd over Murton? Not so far it isn't. The '07 regular season numbers disagree with you.

 

This isn't the prospect development league. The Cubs are out to win ballgames.

 

The only position players slugging .400+ are DLee, ARam, DeRosa (now injured), and Floyd.

 

Floyd is one of the better hitters on this team right now and isn't costing us in the field. But I guess you're right, we should play Murton irregardless of performance on the field.

 

You're really saying that Murton's 16 AB's and Floyd's 25 AB's can justify continuing to bench Murton, even though he has been very good the past 2 seasons?

[CUBZ99]

It is a mistake to play Floyd over Murton. The only way that it is not a mistake is if the Cubs win the WS this season. Even then I doubt that Floyd would outproduce Murton by enough to put the Cubs over the top.

 

Last year Murton did get benched for Bynum. Luckily Bynum got hurt or I think Murton would have not gotten a lot of time after the Minnesota series. At least Floyd is a legitimate major league player.

 

It's a mistake to play Floyd over Murton? Not so far it isn't. The '07 regular season numbers disagree with you.

 

This isn't the prospect development league. The Cubs are out to win ballgames.

 

The only position players slugging .400+ are DLee, ARam, DeRosa (now injured), and Floyd.

 

Floyd is one of the better hitters on this team right now and isn't costing us in the field. But I guess you're right, we should play Murton irregardless of performance on the field.

 

I agree, its not like Todd Hollandsworth is getting the bulk of AB's in LF. As long as Floyd continues to hit, I'm not going to sulk and moan about Murton's playing time. The job of the manager is to put the best team on the field. Murton is a decent player and may even be good some day, but its not like Lou is sitting Pujols or anything.

 

For some reason people seem to be overly infatuated with Murton.

[Flames24Rulz]

He did play Murton a lot in the 2nd half of the season, but I'd like to know how much he played Murton in the first month and a half before the bottom fell out.

 

Murton             AB    R    H   2B   3B   HR   TB  RBI   BB   SO     BA    OBP    SLG    OPS
04/03 - 04/30      77   12   22    4    1    2   34   16   10   13  0.286  0.368  0.442  0.809
05/01 - 05/31      84   13   24    3    0    2   33    4    8   12  0.286  0.358  0.393  0.751
06/02 - 06/30      66    8   16    0    0    0   16    1    4   11  0.242  0.286  0.242  0.528
07/01 - 07/31      49    9   18    2    1    0   22    7    6    4  0.367  0.429  0.449  0.878
08/01 - 08/30      82   12   26    5    0    5   46   22    6    8  0.317  0.364  0.561  0.925
09/01 - 09/30      92   15   31    7    1    4   52   10   11   16  0.337  0.425  0.565  0.990
10/01               4    1    1    0    0    0    1    0    0    0  0.250  0.250  0.250  0.500

04/03 - 10/01     454   70  138   21    3   13  204   60   45   64  0.304  0.372  0.449  0.821

 

Much more than I thought.

 

At least this year, we have a backup that is capable of starting. Last year, we had the likes of Freddie Bynum backing up Murton. I like Floyd as well. I think he's a good hitter in the situation that we have given him. But I still think Murton is getting the shaft here.

[VanceJergins]

 

I don't know how you can prove it was poorly handled. Murton was struggling, Dusty sat him down for a few games and then platooned him for a while, and when Murton started to hit well again. Some people could even make the argument that Murton sitting down was the best thing for him in order for him to get back on his game. Even if you don't want to go that far though, I certainly don't see how it hurt him last year-if it had, he should have continued to slump with the lack of playing time. That's not what happened though.

 

He's always hit. He hit at every minor league level and he hit his rookie year and the beginning of last year. The time he struggled last year was the only time he's struggled in his career. He was bound to break out of it.

 

Just wanted to compare Murton's minor league stats to his major league stats:

 

MI: .309 .380 .451 831

MLB: .303 .370 .462 832

 

The guy seems pretty consistent. Just let him play and you'll end up with a .300/.370/.450'ish guy, who might improve past that.

 

Both of the years in the majors have been skewed statistically though-Murton was put in situations he could succeed when he was playing part of the time in 05 and 06, and he often sat against pitchers that he would likely struggle against. So in projecting a year for him that would have to be taken into account.

 

In 447 PA's vs. RH: .289 .351 .431 .782

In 237 PA's vs. LH: .325 .401 .507 .908

 

He's better against LH, but very solid against RH and has had nearly double the PA's against RH. So its not like they just put him in there against LH.

[RichHillIsABeast]

It is a mistake to play Floyd over Murton. The only way that it is not a mistake is if the Cubs win the WS this season. Even then I doubt that Floyd would outproduce Murton by enough to put the Cubs over the top.

 

Last year Murton did get benched for Bynum. Luckily Bynum got hurt or I think Murton would have not gotten a lot of time after the Minnesota series. At least Floyd is a legitimate major league player.

 

It's a mistake to play Floyd over Murton? Not so far it isn't. The '07 regular season numbers disagree with you.

 

This isn't the prospect development league. The Cubs are out to win ballgames.

 

The only position players slugging .400+ are DLee, ARam, DeRosa (now injured), and Floyd.

 

Floyd is one of the better hitters on this team right now and isn't costing us in the field. But I guess you're right, we should play Murton irregardless of performance on the field.

 

You're really saying that Murton's 16 AB's and Floyd's 25 AB's can justify continuing to bench Murton, even though he has been very good the past 2 seasons?

 

When he's looking absolutely lost and un-Murton-like at the plate? Absolutely. He's not working the count like he usually does and he's hitting weak dribblers that don't make it out of the IF. Face it, he's playing like crap and until he starts getting it figured out, Floyd should be starting over him (as Floyd is one of the better hitters on this team right now).

[VanceJergins]

He did play Murton a lot in the 2nd half of the season, but I'd like to know how much he played Murton in the first month and a half before the bottom fell out.

 

Murton             AB    R    H   2B   3B   HR   TB  RBI   BB   SO     BA    OBP    SLG    OPS
04/03 - 04/30      77   12   22    4    1    2   34   16   10   13  0.286  0.368  0.442  0.809
05/01 - 05/31      84   13   24    3    0    2   33    4    8   12  0.286  0.358  0.393  0.751
06/02 - 06/30      66    8   16    0    0    0   16    1    4   11  0.242  0.286  0.242  0.528
07/01 - 07/31      49    9   18    2    1    0   22    7    6    4  0.367  0.429  0.449  0.878
08/01 - 08/30      82   12   26    5    0    5   46   22    6    8  0.317  0.364  0.561  0.925
09/01 - 09/30      92   15   31    7    1    4   52   10   11   16  0.337  0.425  0.565  0.990
10/01               4    1    1    0    0    0    1    0    0    0  0.250  0.250  0.250  0.500

04/03 - 10/01     454   70  138   21    3   13  204   60   45   64  0.304  0.372  0.449  0.821

 

Much more than I thought.

 

At least this year, we have a backup that is capable of starting. Last year, we had the likes of Freddie Bynum backing up Murton. I like Floyd as well. I think he's a good hitter in the situation that we have given him. But I still think Murton is getting the shaft here.

 

I agree. I would like Floyd to get some starts. Maybe 3/10 games with Murton getting 1 or 2 of those games in RF. I think Floyd has a to offer to this team, but I think Murton is the better/younger/healthier option and should get the bulk of the playing time.

[CubColtPacer]

 

I don't know how you can prove it was poorly handled. Murton was struggling, Dusty sat him down for a few games and then platooned him for a while, and when Murton started to hit well again. Some people could even make the argument that Murton sitting down was the best thing for him in order for him to get back on his game. Even if you don't want to go that far though, I certainly don't see how it hurt him last year-if it had, he should have continued to slump with the lack of playing time. That's not what happened though.

 

He's always hit. He hit at every minor league level and he hit his rookie year and the beginning of last year. The time he struggled last year was the only time he's struggled in his career. He was bound to break out of it.

 

Just wanted to compare Murton's minor league stats to his major league stats:

 

MI: .309 .380 .451 831

MLB: .303 .370 .462 832

 

The guy seems pretty consistent. Just let him play and you'll end up with a .300/.370/.450'ish guy, who might improve past that.

 

Both of the years in the majors have been skewed statistically though-Murton was put in situations he could succeed when he was playing part of the time in 05 and 06, and he often sat against pitchers that he would likely struggle against. So in projecting a year for him that would have to be taken into account.

 

In 447 PA's vs. RH: .289 .351 .431 .782

In 237 PA's vs. LH: .325 .401 .507 .908

 

He's better against LH, but very solid against RH and has had nearly double the PA's against RH. So its not like they just put him in there against LH.

 

I would agree-I'm not saying that if he played full-time he would be terrible. But when he tended to sit last year, it was either when he was struggling, or sometimes it was when the team was facing a right-handed pitcher that had a decent right/left split. If Murton had played full-time against all those pitchers, his numbers probably would have trended downward-not all that much (he probably still would have been around .775-.780 last year) but it almost certainly would have gone down.

[VanceJergins]

It is a mistake to play Floyd over Murton. The only way that it is not a mistake is if the Cubs win the WS this season. Even then I doubt that Floyd would outproduce Murton by enough to put the Cubs over the top.

 

Last year Murton did get benched for Bynum. Luckily Bynum got hurt or I think Murton would have not gotten a lot of time after the Minnesota series. At least Floyd is a legitimate major league player.

 

It's a mistake to play Floyd over Murton? Not so far it isn't. The '07 regular season numbers disagree with you.

 

This isn't the prospect development league. The Cubs are out to win ballgames.

 

The only position players slugging .400+ are DLee, ARam, DeRosa (now injured), and Floyd.

 

Floyd is one of the better hitters on this team right now and isn't costing us in the field. But I guess you're right, we should play Murton irregardless of performance on the field.

 

You're really saying that Murton's 16 AB's and Floyd's 25 AB's can justify continuing to bench Murton, even though he has been very good the past 2 seasons?

 

When he's looking absolutely lost and un-Murton-like at the plate? Absolutely. He's not working the count like he usually does and he's hitting weak dribblers that don't make it out of the IF. Face it, he's playing like crap and until he starts getting it figured out, Floyd should be starting over him (as Floyd is one of the better hitters on this team right now).

 

First of all, its 16 scattered AB's. Second, how is he going to figure it out without playing?

[CubColtPacer]

He did play Murton a lot in the 2nd half of the season, but I'd like to know how much he played Murton in the first month and a half before the bottom fell out.

 

Murton             AB    R    H   2B   3B   HR   TB  RBI   BB   SO     BA    OBP    SLG    OPS
04/03 - 04/30      77   12   22    4    1    2   34   16   10   13  0.286  0.368  0.442  0.809
05/01 - 05/31      84   13   24    3    0    2   33    4    8   12  0.286  0.358  0.393  0.751
06/02 - 06/30      66    8   16    0    0    0   16    1    4   11  0.242  0.286  0.242  0.528
07/01 - 07/31      49    9   18    2    1    0   22    7    6    4  0.367  0.429  0.449  0.878
08/01 - 08/30      82   12   26    5    0    5   46   22    6    8  0.317  0.364  0.561  0.925
09/01 - 09/30      92   15   31    7    1    4   52   10   11   16  0.337  0.425  0.565  0.990
10/01               4    1    1    0    0    0    1    0    0    0  0.250  0.250  0.250  0.500

04/03 - 10/01     454   70  138   21    3   13  204   60   45   64  0.304  0.372  0.449  0.821

 

Much more than I thought.

 

At least this year, we have a backup that is capable of starting. Last year, we had the likes of Freddie Bynum backing up Murton. I like Floyd as well. I think he's a good hitter in the situation that we have given him. But I still think Murton is getting the shaft here.

 

I agree. I would like Floyd to get some starts. Maybe 3/10 games with Murton getting 1 or 2 of those games in RF. I think Floyd has a to offer to this team, but I think Murton is the better/younger/healthier option and should get the bulk of the playing time.

 

Do you believe that Murton is a better option than Floyd against RHP? IMO, the only way that is true if you fully believe in Floyd's 2006 when he was injured a large amount of the time. If he's healthy, he's going to hit right-handers very hard, and if he has nagging injuries he's not going to play this year to bring down his numbers like that.

 

If I were just playing for this year, Floyd would get as many starts against right-handers as I felt his health would allow with Murton getting the rest of those and all the left-handers. I think that would make the team the best it could be in 2007.

 

Since I know there are long-term implications as well, I believe that Murton should get the majority of starts, but not the vast majority of starts. I would love to see Murton get some starts in RF, but it does not look like management trusts either him or Floyd out there (as evidenced by them playing a combined 0 ST games at the position). Since they are only LF's, I would propose to have batter/pitcher matchups help dictate which right handers each one of them starts against, with Murton getting every single start against left-handers. This will likely result in Murton getting 60-70 percent of the PA's overall.

[RichHillIsABeast]

First of all, its 16 scattered AB's. Second, how is he going to figure it out without playing?

 

OMG, not the sample size argument yet again. If we did it your way we wouldn't be getting anything out of LF right now.

 

In games isn't the only time major leaguers swing the bat.

 

Murton should still get the starts against LHP. Should we go a month or two with Murton slumping just so he can "work his way out of it" on the field? No thanks. I'd like to win some ballgames.

[frostwyrm]

Floyd's line is .320/.346/.400 through 26 plate appearances. That is solidly below average for a starting LF. Defensively he is mediocre at best and has no speed. He's old, fragile, and on the downside of his career. Then there's 25 year old Matt Murton, who has put up a .301/.368/.457 line through 685 MLB plate appearances. It's so classically Cub-like to go with Floyd. Besides the experience, I'm guessing it's the .320 BA that impresses. Old timey baseball dinosaurs are suckers for a high BA, even when it comes with other numbers that are below average.