Can Howie Win A Batting Title This Year?

[tdawg87]

what's comical to me is that 'Howie winning a battle title' had become a running joke on this board over the last few years.  Now, less than halfway into the season, people completely forget that he's done this year after year after year.  Next month he'll hit .190 and by the end of the year he'll finish in the .280-.290 range, where he ALWAYS does.

 

I could be mistaken, but I don't believe he has ever been close to .336 in mid-June.

[AngelsAndRamsFan]

what's comical to me is that 'Howie winning a battle title' had become a running joke on this board over the last few years.  Now, less than halfway into the season, people completely forget that he's done this year after year after year.  Next month he'll hit .190 and by the end of the year he'll finish in the .280-.290 range, where he ALWAYS does.

If he doesn't do that and he hits over .300 like he did in 2007 and 2008, will you still find a reason to "hate"/bitch about Kendrick? 

[Stradling]

I am curious if he has ever had a month where he batted .190. To me he is streaky, but not so bad where he would hit below .200 over the course of a month.

[Stradling]

Howie has had one year in his career where he hit into a ton of double plays, so according to AW that is all he does. He was said to be a perennial batting champion, since he isn't AW hates him. The guy has been a plus WAR player for his entire career but he is shit on because of what he isn't.

[tdawg87]

Howie has had one year in his career where he hit into a ton of double plays

 

That isn't really accurate. This year he is tied for 3rd in GDP, and on pace for about 28. In 2007 he hit into 15, despite only having played in 88 games. He was the only player in baseball that year to hit into more than 13 DPs and play in under 90 games. Over a full 550 AB season, he would have been on pace for 25 (which would have led the majors).

 

Perhaps it's a little overstated, but there is no denying that Howie has a strong propensity for hitting into double plays.

[Stradling]

Ok so in 2008 with limited playing time, 2012 and so far this year. Frustrating, but certainly not as bad as its made out to be.

[seenoevil]

Howie will win the batting title along with double plays

[Torridd]

I said yes, but we've been through this ad nauseam so why put the guy through any unnecessary stress? Let us enjoy this streak.

[Jimmag]

First off congratulations Howie on climbing into second in AL batting average. It has been a joy to see this run and all the aw.com haters eating crow. Do not think he can pass Miggy he will make it close.

KEEP RAKING!

[Brent Maguire]

I am curious if he has ever had a month where he batted .190. To me he is streaky, but not so bad where he would hit below .200 over the course of a month.

May 2009. Howie batted .193 but he proceeded to have the best 2nd half out of any 2nd baseman and finish with a .778 OPS. 

[GalericX]

I say go for it... Its something to cheer for this year.

[AZMike]

Howie will win the batting title along with double plays

That's actually pretty common. Cabrera had the triple crown last season and also led the league in double plays.

 

This year it will be hard to top Pujols for GIDPs though.

[Section517]

I'm not a fan of Howie. He chokes in clutch situations just like the 9th inning strikeout today. And if he demonstrated any plate discipline and scratched a hit or walk in the 2008-2009 playoff series the Halos could have had reached the Fall Classic.

[Erstad Grit]

Major League teams don't need minor league talent. They need Major League talent.

 

Good thing we traded all our unimportant minor league depth for important major league talent like Haren, Greinke, Iannetta, etc. 

[YouthofToday]

Howie >>> Albert Pujols.

[Docwaukee]

Howie is what he is.  He's been actually swinging more this year than the previous two years.  Back to early in his career when he seemed better off.  He may just be this type of player.  He's not gonna get on base a ton unless his avg is high. He plays solid defense.

 

Because he's susceptible to the hard slider, he's gonna have some trouble in the later innings with pen guys who tend to throw a ton of sliders.  But his other production makes up for it.  He's a solid value and gets the job done.  He frustrating at times.  Kinda like CJ in that you can't help but focus on the fact that they could be more, but sometimes good enough is ok as long as everyone else around you does their job. 

[dimitrig]

Finishing over .300 would be a great start. You figured this guy would always hit .300+ and yet he's not done it in years.

[WallyWorld]

what's comical to me is that 'Howie winning a battle title' had become a running joke on this board over the last few years.  Now, less than halfway into the season, people completely forget that he's done this year after year after year.  Next month he'll hit .190 and by the end of the year he'll finish in the .280-.290 range, where he ALWAYS does.

 

bumpity bump . . .

[Angel Oracle]

He has lost some 30 pts over the past month. His July includes 2 RBI and ONE walk so far in 51 at bats.

But yeah, if the dumpy duo (Pujols and Hamilton) ever got their act together, and we stopped adding garbage to the rotation, Kendrick would be fine as the support player he truly is, hitting 6th.

[WallyWorld]

how much do you want to bet next year we have this same conversation?  people is not smart.