Defensive Substitutions

For the second straight (and third overall playoff game), Ron Roenicke has removed Corey Hart for a defensive replacement. While I believe that Nyjer Morgan or Carlos Gomez is a clear defensive upgrade over Corey Hart, there is a player in left field that is a worse defender than Corey, and in the right situation should be removed from the outfield.


According to fangraphs.com, Carlos Gomez is the best defensive outfielder, than comes Nyjer Morgan, Corey Hart, and trudging in at last place is Ryan Braun. While Ryan Braun's bat is enough to warrant him an MVP award, his defensive isn't helping his case. In the right situation (like the game yesterday when the Brewers have a three-plus run lead), the extra offense provided by Braun's bat isn't worth enough to overlook his poor defense that may prove to be costly.


Most likely, the reason why Roenicke is removing Hart over Braun, is because it would cause a complete revolt in Brewer land. But statistically, the next time that Roenicke has a 9-6 lead in the 8th, the outfield should be: Corey Hart LF (If he is open to moving to Left, if not insert Nyjer Morgan here), Carlos Gomez CF, Nyjer Morgan RF. The Brewers need to maximize every opportunity avilable including optimizing its outfield defense late in games when they have the lead.


Please Comment and Go Brewers!