What a lineup today, heck what a lineup for the season thus far! In the past few days, we've managed to assert ourselves as the worst hitting team in the AL and the third worst hitting team in both leagues in regards to team EQA (.243). The juggernaut that is the Kansas City Royals, have finally pasted us up (.244).

Coupling our 2nd half .746 OPS (94 sOPS+) from last season with our current season's .680 OPS (86 sOPS+) We have a major problem here. As I sit here watching the irrationally (a screw this, this is rational) unacceptable unfold before my eyes (a team from Cincinnati sweeping a team from Cleveland). The statistical correction/regression that is certainly going to come (current BABIP is .273) is not going to be enough. Can this team lean on its starting pitching and swing itself into a 90 win season and squeak into the playoffs (where anything can happen right?) sure. Thats if a lot breaks our way (Chicago '08 remembers they where Chicago '07, Detroit continues to injure themselves every week, etc.). Thats fine and all, but it pisses me off to see this gigantic area of this team that needs improvement. In my oppinion we have a CF, a C, a back-up C, an avg. SS (power great, OBP not so great), an offensive hole in 2B, RF, DH, 1B, and 3B. Dellucci's recent slide (OBP has sucked) has been tempered by some hot hitting from Francisco, but is avg. at best. Expecting enough improvement throughout the season out of the players in those positions to make up the ground for our offense to be even league avg (pathetic for a contending team) is living in a fantasy. Its not going to happen.

I'll be back after the Cavs game, to write about what we can do.

And the streets of Maui are filled with rejoicing Celtic fans!

So anyways, I wanted to throw out this question to anyone knowledgeable on a single players performance impacting the rest of the lineup. What I mean is, is Hafner's collapse having a negative impact on other hitters in the lineup? and is there any research done in this area that would answer this question?