Editorials

Yasmani Grandal Vs. Carlos Ruiz: Who Deserves the Starting Role?

The Dodgers have managed to make their way to the NLCS, even with all of the adversity they faced during the regular season. Something that has helped them get to this point is their ability to change then lineup based on who they are facing. Luckily, Yasmani is able to bat from both sides of the plate, putting him as the starting catcher for almost every game; however, Carlos Ruiz is giving him a run for his money.

Yasmani Grandal never hit for average, but his power is surely missed in the Dodger lineup. During the regular season, Grandal hit only .228, but made up for it by leading all major league catchers with 27 home runs.



[graphiq id=”2NtQ8swUnJz” title=”Yasmani Grandal 2016 Complete Batting Splits” width=”640″ height=”523″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/2NtQ8swUnJz” link=”http://baseball-players.pointafter.com/l/6230/Yasmani-Grandal” link_text=”PointAfter | Graphiq” ]

Unfortunately, his bat has been nonexistent this whole postseason. In 19 at-bats, Grandal has a .105 BA, though his 5 walks puts his OBP at .292.

On the other hand, Carlos Ruiz has shined with the limited amount of at-bats he has been given this postseason. In just 6 at-bats, Ruiz is hitting .333 with a home run and 3 RBIs.

More importantly, his hits have been clutch, giving the Dodgers a lead or just keeping them in the game! Ruiz also has so much veteran experience, having won the World Series with the Phillies 2008.

Here is what Dave Roberts had to say about Carlos Ruiz’s role on the team:

There is no questioning that Grandal played a big role during the regular season with his big bat, but his postseason struggles are hard to ignore. Carlos Ruiz did start game 1 of the NLCS, but was quickly replaced by Grandal for Kershaw’s start. In that game, Yasmani Grandal was able to frame beautifully multiple borderline pitches, so his defensive value is alive and well.

Moving forward, the Dodgers will need to hit with runners in scoring position agains this talented Cubs’ pitching staff. If Carlos Ruiz has shown that he can provide that extra threat in the lineup, do you think he deserves to start over Grandal?

DecisionCast: Analyzing Dave Roberts’ NLCS Decisions

Alex Perez

Whittier College Alumnus. Editor In Chief of Dodgers Nation. Lifelong Dodgers fan.

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