Nomar Garciaparra: Lefty Hammer of Balance
This report crediting to Buster Olney and AP pointed out that Nomar signed with the Oakland Athletics.
Oakland’s interest in him is presumably to help the A’s balance their lineup: The right-handed-hitting Garciaparra hammered lefties last season, going 19-for-56, with four homers and a 1.067 OPS.
2008 vs. LHP: .339/.424/.643 with 9 BB vs. 5 K in 56 AB
2007 vs. LHP: .213/.282/.330 with 9 BB vs. 7 K in 94 AB
2006 vs. LHP: .341/.420/.600 with 11 BB vs. 8 K in 85 AB
Over 3 Seasons: 29 BB vs. 20 K in 235 AB (1 BB per 8 AB, 1 K per 12 AB). I guess Oakland hopes they don’t get the 2007 Nomar.
The Athletics are heavy in left-handed hitters, with left fielder Jack Cust, designated hitter Jason Giambi, first baseman Daric Barton and third baseman Eric Chavez, among others.
LH Hitters: Jack Cust, Jason Giambi, Daric Barton, Eric Chavez, Ryan Sweeney, Travis Buck (6)
RH Hitters: Kurt Suzuki, Mark Ellis, Bobby Crosby, Nomar Garciaparra, Orlando Cabrera, Matt Holliday (6)
Huh. I guess Nomar really does help Oakland get a perfect balance.
