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Pitchers can hit?!

#1 - September 22, 2005 @ 11:00 PM EST

Pawtucket Red Sox

206 Posts

I was just checking out the gamecast for tonight's Florida Marlins-New York Mets game (since I have Dontrelle Willis on my SoSH fantasy team). The Marlins had a runner on and the 9th place batter sacrificed him over into scoring position for the top of the order. Then, I did a double-take when I realized that the batter was not in fact the pitcher (Willis), but the shortstop. My first thought was that (Damn!) something happened to Willis and they were PH'ing for him. But no - Willis was put in the 7th spot in the lineup tonight. It actually makes a lot of sense, as Willis had a .256 average (9th best among pitchers) with 11 RBIs and 13 runs (both tops among pitchers) coming into this game, whereas the guys in the 8 and 9 hole were both hitting below the Mendoza Line. It's just that I had never remembered seeing that happen before.

#2 - September 23, 2005 @ 11:10 AM EST

GuruGreg

Boston Red Sox

363 Posts

I know Willis is a great hitter for a pitcher, but does his hitting in the 7 spot speak more to his ability or the complete ineptitude of the guys batting below him in the order? I'm guessing the latter seeing as the Fish look to miss out on the playoffs dispite a very capable team and solid pitching staff.