A backup player

Wednesday, June 02 2004 @ 01:25 AM EDT

Contributed by: Joe

Given the following season-to-date statistics, which outfielder would you choose?
NamePABAOBPSLGOPSGPA
Player A189.322.377.466.843.286
Player B244.335.381.409.790.273

As an armchair manager you'd probably be well-off with either of these players, but in this case I'm forcing you to make a decision.

If batting statistics aren't enough for you, I'm happy to report that in their time spent in right field, both players have been almost equivalent fielders. Player A has a lower fielding percentage but higher zone rating; both men's range factor is essentially equal.

Have you made up your mind yet? Click the link below to find out which player you now call your own.

If you chose Player B, you chose wisely. He won Rookie of the Year in 2001 and continues to patrol right field for the Seattle Mariners. To put it more succinctly, Player B is Ichiro Suzuki.

If you chose Player A, I commend you. While he received exactly zero Rookie of the Year votes in 2003, he continues to thrill Toronto's fans with his scrappy play. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you Player A: Reed Johnson.

From time to time the old saw "Reed Johnson's future is as a backup player" emerges from the ether, its gaping maw hungry for the career of an integral part of Toronto's lineup. While it's still early in the season, it seems Johnson is likely to improve upon his 294/353/427 line in 114 games last season; in 49 games this season, he's already at 322/377/466, and on a pace to hit 16 homers and collect 92 (!) RBIs. He's also in the top 10 in fielding percentage, range factor, and zone rating.

True, his 3:1 SO:BB ratio is a bit high, but his discipline is likely to improve as he grows as a hitter. In order to grow further, he needs—and deserves—regular at-bats. Luckily there seems to be no danger of him being benched for any extended period of time; Mr. Johnson has definitely established that he deserves his spot in the lineup every day.

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