So far in 2013, the Royals have faced a left handed starter in 29.5% of their games. If this holds and the Royals go with a true platoon over the remainder of the schedule this leaves 14 starts versus lefties and 33 versus right handers. So far Royals hitters are averaging 4.17 plate appearances per contest. Obviously, this number would be smaller if the Royals new monster platoon hits 8th or 9th, but let's leave it at this. We all know that Yost is going to feature this platoon at the top of the order on occasion.
Using Carroll and Getz's 2013 numbers, here is our breakdown:
- Getz in 138 plate appearances versus righties .189/.261/.270
- Carroll in 59 plate appearances versus lefties .326/.370/.372
- Platoon of Carroll and Getz in 197 plate appearances .231/.294/.302
Basically, a platoon of Chris Getz and Jamey Carroll will provide the Royals with an almost nonexistent upgrade at second base assuming their 2013 stats hold true. On the season, Royals second basemen are hitting .228/.277/.299, so a platoon would only add about .020 points to the OPS. Basically, despite having found a nice platoon half against lefties, the line is dragged down by 70% of the plate appearances going to Chris Getz, who is actually slightly worse against right handed pitching than southpaws.
Small sample? Yes. Let's conduct this same exercise but with career stats. here is what we wind up with...
- Getz in 138 plate appearances versus righties .246/.303/.310
- Carroll in 59 plate appearances versus lefties .296/.361/.371
- Platoon of Carroll and Getz in 197 plate appearances .261/.320/.328
Basically, if Getz and Carroll can perform at their career levels, the platoon offers a .072 OPS upgrade for the remainder of the season. This isn't bad, but it is reliant on Chris Getz getting back to his paltry career levels. Either way, the Royals would be much better served if they could find a more quality right handed hitting half of the platoon.
It is too bad there isn't one lying in the system some... wait a second... I think I just found one. It just fell out of the second baseman tree.
Over the past three seasons, Irving Falu has hit .302/.360/.407 against minor league right handers. In his brief Major League stint he has hit .322/.355/.441 against them. Obviously, Irving Falue isn't a .322 hitter in the Majors. He probably isn't even a .302 hitter. All he really needs to do is get on base more than 31 or 32% of the time and he would be a better platoon partner than Chris Getz.
I didn't realize it at the time of the acquisition, but Jamey Carroll's platoon splits can make him a piece with marginal value. This isn't an indictment, as his ability against left handed pitchers is better than anyone alternative. What the Royals should be doing is instead of simply accepting the minor upgrade and pairing him with Getz, they should be seeking out a platoon partner. At least 30% of a second baseman is more than the Royals did have.
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