Huntsville Headlines 39.058: Black Sox/Phantoms choose team Hitter of Year

[HoosierVic]

By Mark Telander
Black Sox Bulletin

The once and future Chicago Black Sox (still known as the Huntsville Phantoms for a few more weeks) have selected their hitter of the year.

Third baseman Luis González got the nod in what team officials say was a surprisingly tough decision.

Luis González

Which is not to say that González wasn’t deserving. The 9-year BBA veteran put up career-best numbers in virtually every meaningful offensive category:

BA: .336
OBP: .453
SLG: .467
OPS: .851
OPS+: 119
WAR: 3.4

So, why was it a closer decision than you might think? A glance at the team leaderboard shows González at the top of most categories.

Well, the answer is this: Emilio Lugo.

Emilio Lugo

The first baseman misses the leaders list because he platooned this season, facing only right-handed pitchers. As a result, he missed the plate appearance cutoff for the rate stats. Lugo played in 120 games and had 443 PA, compared to González’s 157 games and 647

But if you put the two in head-to-head competition, the left-handed Lugo actually leads González in some interesting categories. Lugo’s .374 WOBA, for instance, led the team, with González second at .361. The story is the same for RC27: Lugo stood at 7.39, with González standing third on the team at 6.80.

In the more conventional stats, Lugo trailed González in BA (.336 to .312) and OBP (.384 to .366). But he led González in SLG (.550 to .467) and OPS (.915 to .851). And, of course, Lugo’s home run production far outstripped González, 24 to 7.

In the end, though, González was the choice: on a truly bad team, he was a shining light, pretty much from wire to wire.

Black Sox management are counting on him in the coming year to lead a young team as it begins play in a new stadium and new city.

As building blocks go, you could do worse.

[HoosierVic]

With pitcher of the year and newcomer of the year in the works, this writing blitz will bring my TN total for the year to 60 ... and, hopefully, make a dent in that new stadium cost.

[usnspecialist]

man pendragon has moved around a bit hasnt he. Carved out a nice little career for himself though.

[HoosierVic]

man pendragon has moved around a bit hasnt he. Carved out a nice little career for himself though.

He definitely has. Defense at short has taken something of a hit in recent years, which is why the move to 3B this season. He's a really nice bat to have in the lineup ...

[RonCo]

I figured the hitter of the year would be this Luis Gonzalez, who plunked nine guys in his 125 innings.

[HoosierVic]

I figured the hitter of the year would be this Luis Gonzalez, who plunked nine guys in his 125 innings.

Ha! Either he has anger management issues or needs new glasses ...

[RonCo]

Why does this have to be an "or"?

[RonCo]

Luis Gonzalez: Blind and Pissed, a Memoir.

[HoosierVic]

Luis Gonzalez: Blind and Pissed, a Memoir.

I would actually read that ... of course, his nickname (Viper) might be a window into what's really going on here: Luis Gonzales: Blind, Pissed and Mean, a Memoir

[RonCo]

The Publisher called and said they wanted to change the title: Luis Gonzalez: Blind, Pissed, and Poisonous

[HoosierVic]

The Publisher called and said they wanted to change the title: Luis Gonzalez: Blind, Pissed, and Poisonous

Collins, for the win!

[7teen]

Wow, and to think I basically gave Lugo away because he was blocked in my organization by Mick and Barral. Neither arm I got in return is still with Madison either.