Sure, Taveras wasn't the best guy to have with runners in scoring position. However, there's a reason we have him hitting at leadoff and not third or fourth in the lineup. He was able to create chaos leading off. How many times was he able to get on base, steal second, only to have Kaz or Matty drive him in.
Not only that, but he was able to advance and score later on with his speed, something Spilborghs or Smith wouldn't have been able to do.
Numerous times, his speed paid off big time.
|