Inspired by a late night argument between some local media members that was profiled on Crossing Broad, we're going to do a quick comparison on Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley. The argument started with Ichiro and was all over the place, but the only part I care about is Jimmy v. Chase. Let me preface this by saying, yes, I am biased toward Chase. He works hard and is my favorite player. Jimmy on the other hand slacks off which I can't stand. You make $11 million a year, I think you can find the strength to run 90 feet to first on the off-chance an error is made. Jimmy also didn't high five me when I saw him at the Christmas tree lighting a few years back so now I dislike him even more. Now that I've warned you, I'll make my argument and attempt to be impartial, but that's probably impossible.
The first reason why Chase is better? He hustles and leaves it all on the field. Jimmy takes plays and games off and always has. You're lucky to have that much talent, stop wasting it by being lazy.
Chase boasts a solid .373 OBP compared to Jimmy's .327. For someone who insists on being a lead off hitter, that is unacceptable. Stop swinging for the fences and maybe you won't pop up as much. Maybe hit the ball on the ground and let your legs do the work.
Chase holds an OPS of .873, 120 points higher than Jimmy's .753. So yet another category that Chase is superior.
While Rollins has done a better job staying on the field throughout his career and especially recently compared to Utley, I'd still take Utley because he produces much more than Jimmy even in a shorter amount of time. Also, people seem quick to forget Rollins only played 88 games in 2010. Utley plays much harder and that has come back to bite him a bit, but don't try to tell me Jimmy is better because he stays on the field, because so would Chase if he didn't run out every ball and play with reckless abandon.
So yes, I'm biased and I admit it. But, looking at statistics I still find Utley to be the better player. Agree or think I'm an idiot? Let me know!
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
Chase boasts a solid .373 OBP compared to Jimmy's .327. For someone who insists on being a lead off hitter, that is unacceptable. Stop swinging for the fences and maybe you won't pop up as much. Maybe hit the ball on the ground and let your legs do the work.
Chase holds an OPS of .873, 120 points higher than Jimmy's .753. So yet another category that Chase is superior.
While Rollins has done a better job staying on the field throughout his career and especially recently compared to Utley, I'd still take Utley because he produces much more than Jimmy even in a shorter amount of time. Also, people seem quick to forget Rollins only played 88 games in 2010. Utley plays much harder and that has come back to bite him a bit, but don't try to tell me Jimmy is better because he stays on the field, because so would Chase if he didn't run out every ball and play with reckless abandon.
So yes, I'm biased and I admit it. But, looking at statistics I still find Utley to be the better player. Agree or think I'm an idiot? Let me know!
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
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