Derrek Lee vs. Encarnacion

[John]

What are your thoughts on Derrek Lee and Encarnacion?

Both are doing great in steals. Encarnacion is hitting .030 better (.280 vs. 250), but Lee is getting the HRs.

Who will have the better year?

[NY1b23]

I have them both and was pondering that same question. Last year, Lee showed better numbers when in the 5 slot than in the 6 slot. This year, he's started out hitting 4th but now Encarnacion has taken that slot and Lee's at 6. So if things continue as they are, Encarnacion is looking up and Lee is looking down. Batting order aside, I like Encarnacion a bit more. He's shown a decrease in K's as he gets older, whereas Lee's plate discipline is getting worse.

[Zho]

One small thing I'd like to point out about plate
discipline. You cant always say someones plate discipline is
getting worse because the SOs have gone up. Looking
at his stats his strikeouts went up but his walks increased
by 50. Thats a good indication that hes headed in the right
direction. Right now Lee has just as many walks as strikeouts.
Its a mystery to me why he has Lee batting so far down in
the lineup. Lee has been stealing bases..He has more power
potiential and he has a much higher on base percentage then
Encarnacion.

[HOOTIE]

I have them both and was pondering that same question. Last year, Lee showed better numbers when in the 5 slot than in the 6 slot. This year, he's started out hitting 4th but now Encarnacion has taken that slot and Lee's at 6. So if things continue as they are, Encarnacion is looking up and Lee is looking down. Batting order aside, I like Encarnacion a bit more. He's shown a decrease in K's as he gets older, whereas Lee's plate discipline is getting worse.

Its actually the other way around. Lees plate displine took a big step forward last year. He went from 50 walks to 98. His oba was 378, compared to Juans terrible 324. Juan has never walked 50 times once. Lee is easily the better hitter, 872 ops to 773. Btw, Juan hasnt shown a decrease in ks as he ages. He had a career high 113 ks last year.

[NY1b23]

Excellent points. I gues it is you, not me, who has gone "inside the numbers."

So if Lee shows more promising development by the numbers, but Encarnacion seems to be winning the better batting order spot (4th vs. 6th), is it a wash between the two?

[BobbyRoberto]

Despite their spots in the batting order, I think Lee has proven to be the better hitter, looking at their past history. Jeff Torborg isn't the smartest manager in the world...

[HOOTIE]

[quote

So if Lee shows more promising development by the numbers, but Encarnacion seems to be winning the better batting order spot (4th vs. 6th), is it a wash between the two?[/quote]

Batting orders change alot, who knows how long it lasts. In fantasy, both are somewhat simliar, possible 25/25 years from both. But if i had the choice, i would take Lee who shows he can get on more, plus Lee has 35 hr potential, hes that strong.

[Sweet Lou]

I too have both and have been reaping the benefits so far this season. If trying to chose between the two keep in mind that Derek Lee gets SBs from a position that not many do...making him all the more valuable. Lee is a roto stud in the making. He'll be a top 4 fantasy 1B man going into next year IMHO.

Sweet Lou

[fooser]

Finally someone here who sees Lee's true potential and value as a fantasy stud. There's no guarantee he will be a top four 1B, but it's certainly very possible with the tools he has. Encarnacion however, will never be anything more than a top 30 OFer, IMO.

[Transmogrifier]

I just dropped Konerko for Woody Williams and Encarnacion for Lee. I think Konerko will turn it around, but even ifhe gets super hot, he wont' be that much better than Lee. Plus Lee has steal power.