Chris Duncan - What to Expect?

[RedSoxdominate]

What kind of production are we looking at out of Duncan for the second half? Will he beast out or fall off the map?

Over the last month he's looking like he could be an impact player from here on out-
HR - 7
RBI - 22
OPS - 1.025

I just dropped Johnny Damon for him in one of my leagues, as a month is a significant sample size. The Cards have nowhere to go but up anyways, right?

Let's get some prediciions.

[Gang Green]

As long as he regularly sits against lefties, his numbers will be marginalized. I remember reading in Baseball Forecaster a few years back how they were griping that Utley will never learn to hit lefties if the Phils don't allow him to learn to hit lefties. Given the fact Shandler has consulted for the Cardinals, you think they would have gotten the message. Still, it looks as if last year wasn't a fluke and he should be able to crank out 25-30 HRS with a .280-.290 BA.

[Tommy John]

I don't necessarily have any predictions, but here is what I think. Duncan is a quality hitter who has gradually earned more playing time as the year has progressed, and out of the platoon role (for the most part). He suffered the infection partway through the year which slowed his numbers. I think, had Duncan received regular time from the beginning, and not suffered from the infection, he would have put up consistently solid numbers all year. He is a professional hitter, although his fielding is getting better (more playing time), who will deliver all year as long as he stays healthy. Another thought, if the Cards continue to ween their former power hitters (such as Edmonds) out of the 4 or 5 hole, Duncan will be hitting where he is meant to be and will see an increase in RBI opportunities, especially if Eckstein can return to his former self. Just the answer off the top of my head. Quality Consistent hitter who will only get better.

[AussieDodger]

As long as he is healthy , he could hit 20 HR in the second half. Next year is the year for him. He can/will be a 40 HR beast.
The only thing that will stop him is Tony "the halfwit" La Russa and his left-right crap.

[activechamp2006]

Duncan has a career OPS of .934, this stat alone gives me an idea of how good of a player he is.

[Danger]

When he play, he owns. The only problem is him actually playing.

[BitterDodgerFan]

so STL is letting duncan start vs. LHPs now, eh? that's a good sign and will be big for his confidence.

[AussieDodger]

so STL is letting duncan start vs. LHPs now, eh? that's a good sign and will be big for his confidence.

Oh - My - God
I have had him since the middle of last year in a 20 team keeper , and this has made me realise there is a god.
I go on about this all the time in the cafe , but if St Louis wonder why they are losing , they just have to look at So Taguchi playing and Duncan not playing. Then to their "SP's" <---- notice the sarcasm marks.

[flooredyas]

I only hope this is not just a periodic occurance, as his starting vs. LHP the 2nd half would be a huge boost for my team.
Oh yeah, nice game as well. Dinger with 3 RBI.

[Gang Green]

so STL is letting duncan start vs. LHPs now, eh? that's a good sign and will be big for his confidence.

Oh - My - God
I have had him since the middle of last year in a 20 team keeper , and this has made me realise there is a god.
I go on about this all the time in the cafe , but if St Louis wonder why they are losing , they just have to look at So Taguchi playing and Duncan not playing. Then to their "SP's" <---- notice the sarcasm marks.

This is a LaRussa quote about Taguchi that I got off of Bill Simmon's ESPN Sportsguy's World page:

"If I was the opposite gender, I'd be chasing him. I'd be dating him. But I'm not, so I don't. But I'm making the point. This guy's got a ton of personality. He's really a neat guy. The players have enjoyed him from Day 1. He's smart and he's funny. I really appreciate everything about him."