On 28 Dec 96, Mark Wohlers K'd James Dunlop for saying:
 SF>> I keep telling you, he doesn't HAVE to hit. His fielding saves runs
 SF>> for us. Blauser has no such value in the field.
 JD> 
 JD> Baloney.  Belliard MIGHT (I repeat MIGHT) save runs at short, but
 JD> nowhere near what he costs at the plate.
That's a big might.  He has poor range and a weak arm.  He has a pretty 
steady glove, but he's no Ozzy Smith.  Frankly, I think he's overrated even 
as a defensive replacement.  Blauser doesn't have as good of a glove, but 
he's probably better defensively in other areas, such as range and throwing.  
I think it's almost a wash, with *maybe* Belliard having the edge, only 
because he makes less errors (though that's a poor measure of defensive 
ability and performance).
 JD> You say he doesn't have to hit, but of course he DOES.  And it costs the
 JD> Braves every time he gets up, compared to Blauser or any replacement
 JD> shortstop.  And that cost (at the plate) is much greater than any real 
r
 JD> perceived benefit Belliard has in the field.
I am NO Blauser fan.  I think he should be dumped.  However, he is FAR more 
valuable than Belliard.  Belliard is unbelieveably bad at the plate.  I'd 
rather see any of the starting pitchers up at the plate than Raffy.  There's 
absolutely NO WAY his defense makes up for his horrible offense.  At least 
Blauser brings SOME offense to the table. 
... Multitasking:  Start download; grab a beer; watch some baseball.
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