My favorite player, but it’s becoming clear that he’s not the hitter he looked like in 2003. His .526 slugging percentage that year looks like an outlier; the last two years it’s been .443 and .461. The doubles did not turn into home runs as I thought they might, and though he had a power bounceback after the injury problems of 2004, much of that was sapped by a drop in batting average. As it was, he was almost right on his career lines. (Season: .291/.365/.461. Career: .292/.366/.465.) That’s very nice for a second baseman, but not MVP material.
He’s still a heck of a player. Doubled 45 times last year, second to his 49 in 2003 among Atlanta Braves, fifth on the franchise list. Takes some walks, is a terrific and aggressive baserunner, who at one point last year scored from second on a swinging bunt out. He managed to not run into anything too solid last year, setting career highs in games and plate appearances.
SimScores have his most-similar player as Alfonso Soriano, but that’s not really accurate, because Marcus walks more (SS doesn’t adjust much for walks) and is a far better defensive player. Chuck Knoblauch was somewhat similar. Biggio is of the same type, though Marcus isn’t that good.
I was looking at the list of spring training home games (figures theres only 2 home games during my spring break the 6th and the 11th)
and this picture was there: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/images/ticketing/y2004/spring_282x130.jpg
I really have no clue whats going on there. What is wrong with everyones mouths?
Apparently Terrance Moore has discovered Google. Found in my referrer logs:
“andruw jones” ken griffey “trade” – Google Search
You know Mac, Marcus hit seven of his fifteen hr in September last season. I take it as a sign that his shoulder is completely healthy. I am betting next season will be his breakout season which his doubles will turn into homeruns.
I truly hope the Braves are able to keep Giles long-term. He’s an absolute joy to watch and seems to be trying harder and having more fun than 99% of all Major League players.
Stats aside, Marcus Giles is simply an easy guy to root for.
He’s triumphed over injuries & personal tragedy.
He’s improved dramatically with his defense in the last couple years and he just seems to have a genuine positive energy about him. Also, I’m sure that undersized ballplayers see him as an inspiration. What’s not to like?
I think his work ethic is something that the younger Braves can look at and learn from. I think it would be great if the Braves keep him around. He always plays hard, is enthusiastic about the game, and he doesn’t cause problems. A true ballplayer.
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/hitting/hi2b2.shtml
Nomar Garciapanna had 56 in 2002. How quick they can fall.
For what it’s worth, Mac, Marcus’s older brother Brian didn’t have his breakout season until age 28. Brian might not have gotten the same playing time until then, but it’s worth noting.
Injuries like the one Marcus suffered from the collision with Mark Prior take years to recover from. It’s like Javy’s leg injury. I think Marcus is going to be an above .300 hitter in his good years, and 30 home runs is certainly a possibility with his power.
What kind of power numbers did you have in mind? I’m curious, because most don’t see him as having that potential.
I think Marcus will be around .300 for most of the next 5 years, .290/.360/.460 perhaps, with maybe a big year (.310/.380/.510 or so) nestled in there.
I was guessing that he might turn five to ten doubles a year into homers, back in 2003. He hit 21 homers that year, so to become a 25-30 HR a year guy. Instead, he’s hit 23 the last two seasons combined.
I enjoyed your list of Atlanta Braves offensive leaders. (Saw Andres Thomas name mentioned a number of times.) Also was surprised at some other players mentioned.
I think it would be interesting to see a similar list of original Atlanta Braves with career numbers, including players traded away. I’m thinking of players like Butler, Justice, Baker, Evans, Dye etc. I’d like to see how they would all sort out career wise.
I would think that last season is the ‘typical’ season for Giles. I agree that 2003 is looking more and more like an outlier season. If last season is what we are getting for a while its pretty darn good.
It seemed to me that Marcus struck out more last year than in previous years, especially after the All-Star break. If that is indeed correct, maybe there’s a connection between his strikeout rate and his homerun production?
can you say steroids. look at weight and slugging drops in that famous year of change for marcus.
PrOPS was not kind to Giles last year.
.262/.338/.412/.750
One more difference between Giles and Soriano that you forgot to mention…Soriano hits for power.