WHY MOOKIE BETTS SHOULDN'T BE HITTING LEADOFF

A quick look at Mookie Betts ' numbers over the past 10 games and fans want to have him hitting somewhere other than lead off.  They say it is too much pressure for a young guy.  They try and blame the Red Sox struggles on the 22 year old center fielder.  What they don't look at is the fact that Betts is hitting the ball hard and being on the receiving end of some great defensive plays.

I wish I could give you some statistics on the times that Mookie would have had a hit, but had it stolen by a snazzy defensive play.  With those statistics unavailable, I can just give you some statistics which are available.  Looking at these statistics and knowing how poorly the Red Sox are hitting as a team will hopefully show you why Mookie should be hitting somewhere other than leadoff, and no, it's not because he's young and can't handle it.

Pitches Per Plate Appearance-
4.129
Extra Base Hits-
15 (most on team)
Runs Batted In-
21 (second on team, Hanley Ramirez has 22)
Average with RISP-
.290 (best of everyday players)

In Last 30 Days

• Most Sacrifice Flies on team (2)
• Most extra base hits on team (11)
• Most RBIs on team (13)
• Only 12 strikeouts in 122 plate appearances (only Dustin Pedroia i

• s better with avoiding strikeouts)
• Has grounded into zero (0) double plays

Clearly with the team struggling to get runs across the plate, Mookie could be more useful to the team hitting somewhere other than leadoff.

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