2009 Projection: Eric Bruntlett
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Wed, April 01, 2009 01:30 PM
Eric Bruntlett, IF/OF (RHB)
Age: 31
2008: 212 AB / 37 R / 2 HR / 15 RBI / 21 BB / 35 SO / 9 SB / .217 AVG / .297 OBP / .297 SLG
Summary: 2008 was a career season for Eric Bruntlett, as he broke his highs for games (120), at bats (212), hits (46), runs batted in (15) and runs (37), among other numbers. Despite these new highs, Bruntlett had a poor season in averages, putting up numbers that indicate a downward slope. Still, he hit lefties pretty well (.254/.361/.380). His ground ball rate continued to increase, now close to 50 percent; meanwhile, his fly ball rate continued to decrease, now at 33 percent. He’s hit to all fields, but most of his hits were seeing-eye grounders or hits that found lucky spaces in the outfield. Bruntlett showed consistency in the field after earning a starting job; though he didn’t make outrageous plays, he was steady and surehanded. He also displayed moderate speed, and played multiple positions, including left field.
Career Level: Post-Prime (Year 1)
Green Flags: It’s possible his offensive struggles were a one-year anomaly. … He was implemented well in the running game, being thrown out just twice in 11 attempts to steal. … His versatility made him key to the team’s overall success. … His strikeout rate (16.5 percent) was at its career low.
Red Flags: Bruntlett’s power evaporated in 2008, however little there was before. … With more time, it’s alarming how much his averages dipped. … His walk rate dropped from 9.8 percent in 2007 to 9 percent in 2008.
Prognostication: Bruntlett is not someone to rely upon hard in a hitting role, though Charlie Manuel gambled with him famously in one superior moment in 2008. He also scorched a David Price pitch out of the park in the World Series. With that, it’s possible Bruntlett continues his pace of being a steady overall player who comes up huge in a select few spots. While Bruntlett will be mostly used in defensive/speed spots, his spring stroke might translate into more at bats than 2008. That said, he should raise his averages (at least his on base) in the new year.
2009 Projection: 234 AB / 34 R / 3 HR / 18 RBI / 20 BB / 39 SO / 10 SB / .236 AVG / .330 OBP / .312 SLG
8 Responses to “2009 Projection: Eric Bruntlett”
Leave a Reply
Home


















April 1st, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Bruntlett has not been quiet this spring at all. He has a few hrs as well.
I thought of the two, between letting Bruntlett or Jenkins go, I thought it would be Eric Bruntlett.
And frankly I would not be surprised if some AL team picked up Jenkins – I bet we hear from him again.
April 1st, 2009 at 2:22 pm
How are you arriving at these estimates? Seems kind of funny to predict exactly how many strikeouts and walks a guy will have. I also find it difficult to believe that Bruntlett will play enough to get 234 at bats. He set a career high of 212 last year and that’s while playing every day during Rollins’ injury.
April 1st, 2009 at 2:23 pm
i think he’ll have way more than 3hrs especially with Utley and Feliz hurt a little
April 1st, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Great spring… the guy has showed me something. Maybe that WS homerun revitalized his passion for the game. Maybe he saw an opportunity with guys on the mend… he could have a good year. In the end, I think that your projections are spot on. He is what he is…
April 1st, 2009 at 2:26 pm
I have to share mine – its like I am bursting at the seem -
I really believe this could be a breakout season for the best offense in recent years. Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins have had much more success at the plate with their batting averages – and Chase seems ready to explode as well! This year Vic, Werth and Ibanez dig deeper into Philadephia baseball mythical standards. This offense could get a nickname that might equal “The Big Red Machine” to echo in time.
All topped off by the best left hander in baseball today – I am predicting a middle-of the pack team ERA but with this offense it will not make a difference. No more 5 and 6 games with leaving tons of players in scoring position, this team will lock in probably in mid May, then August and September will rock for Philly for we repeat as World F*&*&in Champions in 2009.
What other passion could bring out the boys in us like this? Baseball is the best sport.
Hope to see some of you fans at McFaddens Thurs night, should be a blast.
April 1st, 2009 at 3:06 pm
The numbers for Bruntlett are deceiving, imo. He displayed some very nice clutch hitting in pressure situations last year. For all around utility, probably Dobbs is a better player, but Eric has been a dependable workhorse. I would actually rather keep Bruntlett then Jenkins, call me crazy. Geoff has the pressure of trying to be a big name when at bat and earn his rather hefty paycheck. Hence you get big swings and a lot of strikeouts. Bruntlett has a small paycheck and low crowd expectations, and always seemed to be concentrating on getting a base hit rather then swinging for the fences.
And he has potential to better then average, anyone see that amazing stop he made a couple games ago ? It was Rollins-esqe.
Also, Fear the Beard.
April 1st, 2009 at 3:18 pm
“Fear the Beard ” …nice
April 1st, 2009 at 10:02 pm
hey brooks we have the best lefty in baseball? when did we trade for johann santana? that is news to me. im surprised the phillies took on that contract. i hope we didnt give up too much to get him