Move Over Willie...Here Comes Jimmy

[jowcol]

Originally Posted by Grandstander

Less important than the form of a leadoff hitter's contribution is the sum of the contribution. Rollins may not have fit the classic profile of a scrappy leadoff hitter with a high OBA, but he more than compensated for it with his power hitting.

This season, Rollins was the top leadoff hitter in the National League. Philadelphia led the NL in OPS by leadoff hitters (.869) runs scored by leadoff hitters (147) total bases by leadoff hitters (381) and RBI by leadoff hitters (93). They tied for the league lead in stolen base percentage. That they were 13th out of 16 in walks by a leadoff batter is not enough of a failure to offset the fact that they had the best leadoff production in the NL. If they replaced Rollins with any other leadoff hitter, they would have scored fewer runs.

Actually, he scored 139 runs; I consider the run scored one of the most underrated contributions by a player. Hey, Grand, I came here to praise Jimmy, not to bury him. I guess with all the celebrating going on with the Phils winning the pennent, Rollins season stats aren't going to sink in for a short time. He'd get my vote for MVP with Holliday a close second. And, from my original post, I still would like to know if ANYONE has ever acheived the combined stats in the same season that I posted.

[kid gloves]

Originally Posted by LongtimeBravesFan

Don't forget Don Wilson, the last active major leguer to kill himself.

What about Cory Lidle?

[Triad]

Originally Posted by jowcol

Actually, he scored 139 runs; I consider the run scored one of the most underrated contributions by a player. Hey, Grand, I came here to praise Jimmy, not to bury him. I guess with all the celebrating going on with the Phils winning the pennent, Rollins season stats aren't going to sink in for a short time. He'd get my vote for MVP with Holliday a close second. And, from my original post, I still would like to know if ANYONE has ever acheived the combined stats in the same season that I posted.

Rollins certainly deserves the MVP. Considering also that he plays the second most valuable fielding position — shortstop.

Originally Posted by jowcol

Has ANYONE in major league history in one season put together a 40+ double, 20 triple, 30 homer, 35+ SB, 200+ hit season?

No, but remember that Willie Mays was playing a 154-game schedule in 1957, and his Giants didn't get him up to bat as often as Rollins' Phillies did. Plus Mays walked 76 times. Mays had just 668 PA in 152 G. Still he had 195 H, 26 2B, 20 3B, 35 HR, and 38 SB. Man, that guy might be in the Hall of Fame someday...

Rollins had 106 more PA to accomplish what he did. And a nice little live ball to help out as well.

[Triad]

Originally Posted by Triad

Rollins certainly deserves the MVP. Considering also that he plays the second most valuable fielding position — shortstop.


No, but remember that Willie Mays was playing a 154-game schedule in 1957, and his Giants didn't get him up to bat as often as Rollins' Phillies did. Plus Mays walked 76 times. Mays had just 668 PA in 152 G. Still he had 195 H, 26 2B, 20 3B, 35 HR, and 38 SB. Man, that guy might be in the Hall of Fame someday...

So Mays had 585 AB that year, while Rollins had 716 this year.

Rollins had 106 more PA to accomplish what he did. And a nice little live ball to help out as well.