Today on the suicide inducing local sports talk radio show, the host was yammering on about how Raburn should be released. He said that it’s obvious that Jim Leyland has something against Ramon Santiago and that’s why he hasn’t been playing. Of course, he made no mention of the fact that Santiago’s been sick all week, he has gotten along wonderfully with JL since 2006, and that he’s a career .249 hitter with
Ryan Raburn is not a great player. He talks like Larry The Cable Guy after 10 beers. His tongue hangs out all the time. He oftentimes has the hands of Jim Abbott on defense like in the 9th inning today. He K’s a lot. His walkup music is awful country nonsense. I get all that.
But when he’s on, there are few Tigers better at the plate. He has shown the ability to be amazing with the bat for bursts of time. He even puts together outstanding defensive plays on occasion. And when the alternatives are career utility player, Santiago, and should have retired two years ago, Inge…there’s no better choice than Raburn to be out there right now. Placido Polanco is gone, people.
If two months from now the Ryno is still hitting under .100, then I’ll agree with you and demand he be shown the door. But for now, consider the following.
-Rick Porcello today became the first Tiger starter to earn a win this year.
-Omar Infante has twice as many homers (4) as Prince Fielder (2).
-Gerald Laird has more homers than Albert Pujols. (1-0)
-Don Kelly was hitting .333 (1/3) entering today before striking out looking with two on because he's awful.
-Miguel Cabrera hasn’t had a hit in 18 at bats. Even the best struggle.
It is still very early. There’s plenty of time for Raburn to put it together. Just be patient and grow the eff up. Call me naïve if you want, but I’m not the one calling for someone’s head on April 15th.
12 comments:
I don't understand why Santiago has constantly been labeled as a lifetime utility guy? Obviously we need somebody at at 2nd who can hit and play the field, why not at least give him a chance to start on a consistent basis?
Well put. It's amazing that the most sensible baseball analysis on the internet comes from a blog that focuses more on public ridicule than sensible baseball analysis.
They did give him a chance...in 2003...no more chances. He is not an everyday player. Unless you want a .230 hitter who will sneak out 3 Homers all year, no thanks.
I can't wait until he starts going into one of his hot streaks (even if I have to wait until August).
I buy the be patient with Raburn argument for now, but is it too soon to demand Inge be released?
Based on his last five seasons, Ramon would hit .267 with 9 home runs if given 500 ABs. I'm not saying he should be starting, but please put some thought into your arguments.
By that rationale, none of the '03 guys should be full time, yet a few of them have done rather well for themselves, including the aforementioned Infante.
How can you play someone who has hands of stones and never hits until August rolls around that is 4 months every year he hurts this team but has 2 good months and he's a God I'm so sick of Rayburn and Inge lover's OMG watch a game without your rose colored glasses. Even in August when he is hitting he still is the worst defensive guy on the team bar none.
Go back to mlive.
If we're looking for another Raburn-type, I think Marcus Thames is available.
Nice perspective.
Your not the only Ryno fan. I too have faith that he can turn it around. As of today, .157 BA. No not incredible, but better. And I like it when he stickshis tongue out :-)
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