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Message: [QUOTE="FfldCntyFan, post: 5347075, member: 71"] Batting average absolutely does matter. Contact hitters, even if they aren't driving in runs can extend at bats and extend innings. The added pitch count placed on the opponent can get a starter out of the game earlier, then force them to use more bullpen arms. I still firmly believe that the '98 Yankees would be 15+ games better in regular season in the current MLB environment than they were against 1998 MLB. They'd also be basically invincible in the postseason. There is a lot that needs to be addressed but (although Cashman would never go for it) I would start with turning Volpe into an all fields, singles hitter. He'd be far more valuable hitting .270 or so with a half dozen home runs than (as the current approach leaves him) struggling to bat .200 but approaching 20 home runs. This team doesn't need him to be a home run hitter and (especially with the current stolen base rules) he can give the opponent something else to worry about if he's on base more and stealing bases regularly. [/QUOTE]