Tuesday, June 29, 2004

Simple arithmetic. 2 > 1.

If the stats of Enrique Wilson and Miguel Cairo are added up, you get a fairly productive second baseman. 42 rbis, 8 hrs. Not too bad for a #9 hitter and a second baseman. Right?

Because this seems to be a common sentiment if you listen to the Yankees games on the radio or watch them on the Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network.

Here's the problem, ignoring the fact that they play at the same time on a rare occasion:

1) 8 hrs and 42 rbis isn't really that much for a #9 hitter and a second baseman. Not on this team with all the RBI opportunities. It's not bad, but it should elicit a shrug.

2) It's a platoon. Even if it's not a straight righty-lefty platoon, Torre has the luxury of resting the slumping player and playing the hot hand.

3) It doesn't make sense to add up the stats of two players and compare them to the stats of one player because ... well ... IT'S TWO PLAYERS!! It's costing the Yankees, what? A ROSTER SPOT!! Another PLAYER!! A player who could do things for the Yankees. Like hit, run, catch, throw. Maybe even pitch.


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