Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrej72
"Remember, Sabermetrics were but a glint in BJ's eye back in 1968."
Sure, but even back then big sluggers like Aaron or Ruth were usually at least 3rd in the lineup.
In any case, even in a historical replay I tend to use sabermetric guidelines, and try to avoid bunt plays etc.
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At what point during the 68 season with no future knowledge would you decide Jackson was a "big slugger?" Hitting 23 HRs in A BALL in 1966 and 17 HRs in AA in 1967 doesn't prove that. He came to the A's without ever having played AAA. Through May 31 1968 he was hitting .232 with 5 HRs. There is zero reason to hit the guy third based on contemporary knowledge with or without sabermetrics.
And mentioning 1968 Reggie Jackson as a comparison to Aaron and Ruth is grossly inaccurate. Even 1980 Jackson didn't quite have a Ruthian or Aaronesque season.