Murray Chass: TIGERS ROAR, A-ROD REELS

Murray’s latest hit job

In a recent piece in The New York Times, Tyler Kepner cites positive aspects of Rodriguez’s play – savvy baserunning, ability to draw walks, helpful to young players. Then he adds, “Imagine a player who did all those things, without the outrageous salary.”

How does the salary figure in Kepner’s assessment? Is he paying part of it?

Kepner, using a new-age statistic, further puts down Rodriguez by reporting that a statistical baseball Web site says that “Rodriguez brought the Yankees just two more wins this season than a replacement player would have.” I have as much disdain for that statistic as Kepner has for Rodriguez.

The “recent piece”

The New York Times
October 12, 2012
Time to Change Expectations for Aging Slugger
By TYLER KEPNER ...

Yet there is little encouraging evidence on Rodriguez’s side. His slugging percentage has dropped in each of the past five seasons, tumbling this year to .430 — just one point better than Jeter’s. According to baseball-reference.com, Rodriguez brought the Yankees just two more wins this season than a replacement player would have.