AL Offensive Studs and Duds 4/22/11
Another week brings another session of studs and duds. This week had its normal share of accomplishments as well as disappointments. We'll start off with the AL offensive studs and duds.
Travis Hafner almost earned my vote as the AL masher of the week. He has been solid so far this season and is one of the reasons the Tribe has had such an impressive early showing. However, I was not able to crown Hafner after taking a look at the damage Curtis Granderson had done this week. The Yankee OF had a batting average of .435 to go along with a ridiculous 1.130 slugging %. His 1.565 OPS jumped out at me as I reviewed the stats and upon spotting it I knew I had found my stud. Granderson had 7 extra base hits this week; 4 homeruns, 2 doubles and a triple. During this offensive surge Granderson has seen his average rise from .156 to .273.
This week was not very kind to several big name hitters in the American League. Nick Markakis, Alex Rios and Bobby Abreu all hit around the .100 mark over the last 7 days. These veterans were all able to at least take advantage of the base on balls. This week's AL dud did not, and his numbers suffered. Gordon Beckham of the Chicago White Sox managed 2 hits in 23 plate appearances, striking out 4 times last week. His average, OBP and slugging are all an identical .087 because he was unable to hit for extra bases or take a walk. Beckham emerged in 2009 to much fanfare and performed fairly well early. Last season, he was not able to replicate his early success, and is now off to a slow start in 2011. The White Sox hope their second baseman can again capture that success he found early in his career.
Look for the AL's best and worst pitching performances of the week later on today.
Travis Hafner almost earned my vote as the AL masher of the week. He has been solid so far this season and is one of the reasons the Tribe has had such an impressive early showing. However, I was not able to crown Hafner after taking a look at the damage Curtis Granderson had done this week. The Yankee OF had a batting average of .435 to go along with a ridiculous 1.130 slugging %. His 1.565 OPS jumped out at me as I reviewed the stats and upon spotting it I knew I had found my stud. Granderson had 7 extra base hits this week; 4 homeruns, 2 doubles and a triple. During this offensive surge Granderson has seen his average rise from .156 to .273.
After a slow start, Granderson has taken off
This week was not very kind to several big name hitters in the American League. Nick Markakis, Alex Rios and Bobby Abreu all hit around the .100 mark over the last 7 days. These veterans were all able to at least take advantage of the base on balls. This week's AL dud did not, and his numbers suffered. Gordon Beckham of the Chicago White Sox managed 2 hits in 23 plate appearances, striking out 4 times last week. His average, OBP and slugging are all an identical .087 because he was unable to hit for extra bases or take a walk. Beckham emerged in 2009 to much fanfare and performed fairly well early. Last season, he was not able to replicate his early success, and is now off to a slow start in 2011. The White Sox hope their second baseman can again capture that success he found early in his career.
Beckham looks to rebound after a slow start
Look for the AL's best and worst pitching performances of the week later on today.
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