With 13 of 32 votes (41%), the readers of Behind the Plate believe Michael Earley should get more at-bats. Vince Gonzalez (21%), Josh Lyon (15%), and Dylan Swift (12%) finished 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, respectively.
It is hard to argue with the readers on this one. In 8 starts this season, Earley has a .300 batting average after hitting .318 in 49 games as a sophomore last season. It is also worth noting that he excelled late in the season and was named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team as the DH. With his two most likely positions filled by two of the strongest all-around hitters on the team (Dickerson at DH and Sabourin at 1B), this has obviously been a big reason for his lack of PT. That being said, he really only gets to start in the outfield in place of Kipp Schutz when IU faces a left-handed starter. He is listed as an infielder on the roster, though, so I have to think he could possibly field second or third base as well (but that scenario would probably take away at-bats from freshman Vince Gonzalez, who came in 2nd in the poll and is currently batting.342). It’s tough to determine where these at-bats should or could come from given the overall success of the team at the plate so far this season, but it's obvious that at least a portion of the Hoosier faithful would like to see Michael Earley at the plate more often. Thanks to those who voted!
I would love Earley to get more at bats but I can't decide who I want those at bats to come from! I guess that's kinda a good problem to have.
ReplyDeleteOnly 1 DH allowed per game - and I don't think he should move Dickeson out of that spot.
ReplyDeleteMake that DickeRson...my apologies to all offended.
ReplyDeleteEven though he hit in the DH spot last year, Earley can also play 1B, OF, and the post says possibly 2B or 3B. I agree with the post in that DH and 1B are probably locked up pretty tightly though unless either of them struggle against RHP but he may be able to get more at bats in the other spots even though I'm not sure where would be best. I know he is a strong kid that has showed in the past that he can hit.
ReplyDeleteYeah Earley had a nice season as the DH last year but Dickerson is having an Freshman all Big Ten season right now. I would say he is not leaving the lineup unitl his career is over. Lol!
ReplyDeleteI know last year during the Big Ten tourny he was working at 3rd base before the OSU game last May. I think he played 3B @ Cincinnati his freshman year also.
Thanks BaseballBucks. I think you might be right about 3B at Cincinnati too. When your team BA is 21st best in country, it is going to be tough to fit everyone in. Like George said, not a bad problem to have!
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