Is Reeves Really Our Best Option in LF?

I trust Jay has seen enough behind the scenes to know what he has in each player and he’s putting his best 9 on the field.

His last 4 games he's 4-11 with a 2B, 3 walks, a HBP, and an RBI. He's also seeing about 4 pitches per plate appearance.

The timing on this thread is weird considering it's the best he's played since he's been here and he's contributing at the plate.

ETA: His two plate appearances off the bench on Sunday might have been the best two of his LSU career.

I do relate to your overall point. It is frustrating to see that someone hitting .235 and with a .833 fielding percentage is the best we can muster in a previously-backup, now-starting outfield role.

Here’s the way I think Jay sees it: I believe he probably prefers Reaves over the other 2 options because of the trust factor. He knows Reaves is going to give you patient ABs. Reaves has come on more here of late, and he’s actually getting some solid contact, but his primary objective all year at the plate has been getting walks - it’s been blatantly obvious as he’s routinely taking until he gets 2 strikes with defensive swings thereafter.

Jay does seem to be platooning Yamin vs LHH a bit but Yamin hasn’t exactly performed well of late or made the most out of these opportunities. He’s been sliding in opposite direction of Reaves. I do agree that he does likely provide the highest pop/upside of the 3. Harden also intrigues me but he’s the least experienced/known commodity of the bunch, which is likely why he finds himself at the bottom of the 3 in the hierarchy. It’s unfortunate all around.

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and an RBI

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Look, I get what you’re saying about better at-bats, but let’s not stretch “contributing” too far.

1 RBI in 4 games where the team put up 33 runs isn’t exactly driving the bus. Add in 2 runs scored and you’re talking about 3 total runs he’s directly accounted for out of 33. That’s not impact that’s just being in the lineup while others are doing the damage.

If you want to say he’s looked better at the plate, sure. But production matters, and right now the actual output still isn’t there. Stack a few more games with real run production, then the conversation changes.

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1 RBI in 4 games where the team put up 33 runs isn’t exactly driving the bus.

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He's not being asked to drive the bus.

He's being asked to keep the line moving and work the pitcher. It's the same thing Milazzo was asked to do.

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But production matters

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Doing what you're asked to do matters.

soooooo a lineup has 9 guys that produces 33 runs and he accounts for 3 of those runs while not playing the whole time? Sounds like he's pulling exactly his weight

ETA I've been one of Reaves biggest haters, but I think he's giving the best production between him, Yamin, and Harden at the moment.

Harden has got opportunities. He strikes out a lot. If he hit a few hard line outs then I'd argue that he should get more, but he strikes out a lot

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Reeves had a decent night against Tulane.

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He had a good last 4 games, good weekend against South Carolina which is probably why he got the start vs. Tulane


I personally still would love to see Harden actually get a real shot, especially with his power to right field in a field like Foley this weekend, but might as well ride the hot hand as long as you can I suppose

Jay really likes this kid and I'm not sure why. So, if Jay trust him, I'm rolling with Reeves.

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If that’s the standard, then why is everyone killing Yorke when he’s got a higher OB%, higher slug, more walks, more HBPs, and more runs scored?

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Yorke can’t play LF…. That’s why

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He had a good last 4 games, good weekend against South Carolina which is probably why he got the start vs. Tulane

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He also had a good game against Southeastern, but I didn't include that. The Sunday game against State he had a walk and a couple Ks, but also saw like 6 pitches per plate appearance.