Zobrist doing his HoJo impersonation...
The recent Zobrist 30/30 article almost gave me an opportunity to throw out the name "Howard Johnson". Just saying how HoJo was a three time 30/30 guy would give me a nice flashback to my childhood.
Prior to commenting I decided to give Howard Johnson's stats a quick look and was somewhat surprised to see how his first 30/30 came about...
Howard Johnson entered the 1987 season as a former first rounder who never showed consistent numbers in the majors. He never hit more than 12 HRs in a season (though he hit 10 in 256 PAs in 1986) and never stole more 10 bases. He was never a full time player though he looked like he was given the opportunity twice.
HoJo finally came into his own in 1987. As a 26 year-old he hit .265/.364/.504 with 36 HRs and 32 SB. He finished 10th in MVP voting.
His numbers declined a bit in 1988, spiked to career bests in 1989, fell dramatically in 1990, then he bounced back for his final 30/30 in 1991.
Should we expect a Johnson like career for Zobrist?
Probably not, but comparisons are fun.
0 recs |
22 comments
Comments
In that case...
I want to throw Ron Gant’s name out there. He was 30-30 and started in the infield then moved to the outfield. Then he broke his leg riding a 4-wheeler.
M.V.Z. Most Valuable Zorilla!
by SeanDubbs on Jun 15, 2009 4:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Then he came back a hulk of a human.
Tools Whore
by Tyler on Jun 15, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Zobrist vs. Johnson
We know Zobrist’s stats 198 PA, 13 HR, 8 SB
Here is how Johnson fared through his first 200 PAs during his 30/30 seasons
1987 197 PA 8 HR, 11 SB
1989 198 PA 11 HR, 9 SB
1991 196 PA 11 HR, 9 SB
While the five guys I compared Benzo to finished with at least 693 PA. HoJo finished with 645,655,658 respectively.
www.draysbay.com
by Tommy Rancel on Jun 15, 2009 4:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The HRs come when they come.
But I would be pressed to think that 30-30 guys see a big spike in their SB/CS numbers come September.
M.V.Z. Most Valuable Zorilla!
by SeanDubbs on Jun 15, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe. About as good a comp as any other so far.

by RATW on Jun 15, 2009 4:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I feel like we need to figure out a way to add plate appearances to these graphs.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 15, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it's deceptive given Zobrist only has 728 career PA's.
I haven’t joined the Zobrist cult quite yet.
by RATW on Jun 15, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm trapped. I went all in. It's great in here.
Tools Whore
by Tyler on Jun 15, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great view isn't it
www.draysbay.com
by Tommy Rancel on Jun 15, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm having a hell of a time.
Tools Whore
by Tyler on Jun 15, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Enjoy the free milk and cookies and take your vitamins.
www.draysbay.com
by Tommy Rancel on Jun 15, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Milk was a bad choice
I could be wrong though
by staplemaniac on Jun 15, 2009 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I added him to my fantasy team the day Aki went down.
- The first step in joining the cult.
/nobody cares about my fantasy baseball team
by RATW on Jun 15, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, still on the rebound after falling head over heels for Balfour.
Never fall for a reliever; too volatile.
by RATW on Jun 15, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But JP!!!
I could be wrong though
by staplemaniac on Jun 15, 2009 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So Zobrist is bound to open a chain of hotels?
Rays Win!
by Sandy Kazmir on Jun 15, 2009 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow, what a boost for tourism
I’d be more inclined to travel
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
by FreeZorilla on Jun 15, 2009 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Go happy. Go BenZo.
© 2009 Ben Zobrist International, Inc. All rights reserved. All hotels are independently owned and operated.
by RATW on Jun 15, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Guess I'm late.
"Where we all wait in earnest with pudding in hand for the Upton comet to sail through the roofed skies, so that we may meet Him."
by kericr on Jun 15, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

by 


















