A comparison of dueling DH's: Godzilla vs The Impaler

by Downing Rules on Apr 22, 2010 4:30 PM PDT

(small sample size warning!)

I realize that it is quite early to make comparisons. However, I saw a few posts here mentioning Vladimir Guerrero's hot start after only four games with the Angels division rival Texas Rangers.

One fellow commented, "Hey, look who is leading the league in batting."

At that very early juncture, Guerrero was hitting a blistering batting average of approximately 464. Since that time I was alerted to Guerrero leading the league in batting, I have been keeping my eye on how he is doing with respect to Hideki Matsui's performance.

One interesting trend (it is still early, I know) is that Guerrero only has 3 extra base hits out of his 18 hits. By comparison, Hideki Matsui has 9 extra base hits out of his 17 hits.

Vladimir Guerrero 18 hits, 2 2B, 1 HR 16% of his hits are for extra bases.
Hideki Matsui 17 hits, 6 2B, 3 HR 53% of his hits going for extras.

Total lines:
Vladimir Guerrero: AVG .327 18H 5R 1HR 6RBI 3BB 1HBP 4SO 1GIDP
Hideki Matsui: AVG .293 17H 5R 3HR 10RBI 8BB 0HBP 12SO 0GIDP

OPS+:
Vladimir Guerrero: 114
Hideki Matsui: 154

From the total lines, Guerrero has a higher average. Matsui, on the other hand, is driving in runs via extra base hits as well as getting on base. Matsui's strikeouts are considerably higher than Guerrero's though, which is not a good sign. However, if Matsui ends up with triple the home runs of Guerrero (highly unlikely), we will overlook the number of strikeouts.

Regardless, it is still too early to make a comparison, but this is a small snapshot of where we stand now. I am sure more comparisons will be made as we go along and, more importantly, at the end of the season.

Source:
Vladimir Guerrero (bb-ref link)
Hideki Matsui (bb-ref link)

Poll

Who is going to end up with more home runs?

Vladimir Guerrero

31 votes

Hideki Matsui

104 votes

Robb Quinlan

38 votes

173 votes | Poll has closed

This Fan-Post is authored by an independent fan. Tell us what you think and how you feel.

Tweet Comment 15 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

I want to vote for matsui, but my heart tells me it's gonna be Q

#34, never forget.

by jtkelly86 on Apr 22, 2010 4:35 PM PDT reply actions

It is sad to see those poor pathetic whiny little bitches at Lone Star Ball

become disillusioned now with Vlad not hitting like they had hoped for. They should have paid more attention to how he played last year and set their expectations more realistically.

I will take Stan’s skillful clutch hitting over Vlad’s any day.

The 2009 Pregame Picks Winner and Iron Man of Halos Heaven.com

by 44FAN on Apr 22, 2010 4:57 PM PDT reply actions

Not Matsui if they keep running him out into left.

Play Wood already. Willits sucks.

by hauldog on Apr 22, 2010 5:04 PM PDT reply actions

Valddie hit into a rally killing double play in extra innings against Boston.

It was the only time in extras at all that the Rangers had better than a 50/50 win percentage on FanGraphs, and he blew it. Interesting to note that has been his only DP ball this year though.

by AlanFalcon on Apr 22, 2010 5:11 PM PDT reply actions

Guerrero's become Carew II, singles hitter extraordinaire.

And, just like clockwork, when the starting pitching implodes in the excessive heat of summer, it’ll be the same ’ol Rangers.

Like the cockroach, you just can't kill Q

by PieceOfAase on Apr 22, 2010 6:10 PM PDT reply actions

Only they really didn't wilt in the Texas heat last year.

They were competitive right up to the final week & 1/2 of the season.

by sothball on Apr 22, 2010 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Something I wanted to look up, and you gave me the incentive to do so

Vlad is just mashing the ball at home this season, just like he did when he played with us and visited that Place at Arlington.

He likes to play Deep in the heart of Texas. That be fer sure y’all.

by eyespy on Apr 22, 2010 7:07 PM PDT reply actions

Geez, no kidding.

Y’all

by AlanFalcon on Apr 22, 2010 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions

If Q would get more playing time, and ...

the Angels management would keep jacking him around between the Majors and AAA at every chance they get. He would best the rest, Hands Down.

by eyespy on Apr 22, 2010 7:09 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

I know you mentioned it, but here's a good quote from BtB

If you were to look up what a hollow batting average is in the big book of baseball, they’d have a list of Guerrero’s 2010 statistics as a prime example. Guerrero has 15 hits, 13 of which are singles, with a double and a homer thrown in.

Forget about Britney, LEAVE BRANDON ALONE!!!!

by Figgi4life on Apr 22, 2010 9:42 PM PDT reply actions

well i hope they both do well, I’m a loyal guy, and vlad has always been one of my favorite players. So just like I wished both GA, Kennedy, Eckstein, Glaus, Spiezo, Ersty, and Edmonds well after they left, I wish Vlade well!

Sure it sucks that he is playing for the rangers, but really if the Angels take care of their own business, we shouldnt have to worry about other teams, we have too well round of a team

In Kobe we trust!

by robi s on Apr 23, 2010 12:53 PM PDT reply actions