QUOTE (Kalapse @ Jun 28, 2010 -> 12:04 AM)
Heh, so if you just throw out Adam LaRoche's best month and Kotsay's worst month they're about equal? Seems fair.
ZIPS has Mark Kotsay putting up this line the rest of the way this season: .253/.317/.355/.672 and a .303 wOBA
And LaRoche: .280/.360/.509/.869 and a .378 wOBA
Does a .378 wOBA qualify as a difference maker? Yeah, probably. Is it a significant upgrade over Kotsay? f*** yeah.
One of the big reasons why everyone keeps bringing up his name is his career splits:
1st half: .253/.328/.450/.778 AB/HR: 24.8
2nd half: .300/.363/.546/.909 AB/HR: 17.7
Dude's got a consistent track record of significantly picking it up in the second half.
Are people drooling over him? No, not really. Would he be an acceptable and reasonable (financially and talent wise) replacement for Kotsay at DH? Most definitely. LaRoche is the most realistic and sensible target, that's why you see his name so often.
ESPN the other night said they have the best research department.
No, SoxTalk does, and it's name is Kalapse.