In explaining his choice of Paul Konerko, over Kevin Youkilis, to replace the injured Justin Morneau on the All-Star roster, Joe Girardi uttered the following words: “I took the guy whose numbers are a little bit better”.
Nothing against Konerko, who is a fine player, but Girardi’s grasp of numbers in this case is tenuous at best. Yes, Konerko has hit two more home runs and has six more RBI, but that would be like choosing the girl with the slightly larger bust over the one who has an overall-better body, is prettier, and would make a better marriage partner.
To wit: Youkilis has more total bases [168 to 163], clear advantages in OBP [.408 to .382] and SLG [.579 to 560], and a better VORP [31.7 to 28.7]. He has also scored 17 more runs.
Personal taste is personal taste, but going strictly by the numbers, Girardi proposed to the wrong girl.
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1. Needling the Red Sox (though it's not in his best interest to lose the game)
2. He might need a break and indicated as such (never want to say no or have Konerko hear he was the second choice)
3. He wants an opportunity to see Paulie for a couple days since he's been rumored as a possible target (and injury to Peavy could free him again)
"If Gardy could hit up there it would be great,†Girardi said. “His on-base percentage against right-handers is tremendous. He creates problems for the defense."
http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2010/07/06/pregame-notes-gardner-might-stick-in-the-lead-off-spot/