Marlins (Junk) vs Mets (Peralta): 7/31/26, 7:10pm

[Centerfield]

Semien and Polanco hitting back to back kinda sums up the 2026 season. 

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

I can't explain Polanco. 

[Frayed Knot]

6 hours ago, Johnny Lunchbucket said:

I can't explain Polanco. 

You mean his 773/117 OPS/OPS+ for the five year period from 2021-25 compared to his 391/10 this year?  Sounds like just small sample size and random fluctuation to me.

[seawolf17]

Sounds like "he's old and he's hurt because we tried to play him out of position rather than signing a real championship-caliber first baseman like the one we had but fucked it up" to me.

[Centerfield]

Yup. Signing the guy after one healthy season following three injury riddled season is generally not a great bet.

what I can’t figure out is the widespread under performance up and down the lineup. 

[Edgy MD]

I would be loathe to attribute his injuries to playing first base.

I imagine it's more true that he's just a hurty guy.

[Frayed Knot]

Yes, he's not hurt and he's not not hitting because he's playing 1B, an easier physical position than the ones he played previously. Also not really old (turned 33 a few weeks back) and averaged 120 G/yr over the last five seasons and under 100 just once in that time.

 

Quote

what I can’t figure out is the widespread under performance up and down the lineup. 

[MFS62]

Interesting that veterans with a track record have declined so much. I would expect the veterans climb back to their norms by the end of the season. But some don't seem to be improving. If they aren't,  what could it be?

Are they being forced to confirm to a different batting approach by the coach? I would think a veteran would stay with what has served him well in the past and ignore that approach. No?

If not that, the reason eludes me.

Anyone who knows, and can fix, the problem, please go to CitiField and pick up your check.

Later