the problem is that you're looking at this in terms of aggregated production. winning 10-1 doesn't benefit you in the standings anymore than 3-2, i know this is nothing groundbreaking to say. but for a team that does benefit from a strong pitching staff it might be prudent to have players who can more consistently score runs. i know this is going to incite loads of chuckles because now i sound like joe morgan, but it should be obvious that offensive production via bunt singles, stolen bases, sacrifices are more easily achieved when you're facing tough pitchers than swinging away trying for hits. that's just playing situationally, getting what the defense gives you. of course, if you don't have a strong pitching staff the weaknesses of podsednik types are greatly exposed, as you'll need to score more runs to keep up with what your pitchers are surrendering and don't really have the option of situational small ball. you guys are going by the sabermetric book too much in this topic.