What Should the Atlanta Braves Do With David Ross?

There are a few issues that have surfaced in the Atlanta Braves’ first four games of the season, to say the least. If you have not noticed, David Ross has not notched one at bat or played in one game all year. This will undoubtedly change, almost certainly tomorrow as Randall Delgado is set to pitch. Ross is an invaluable piece to the Braves’ team, no doubt. When Brian McCann needs a game off, Ross fills in admirably and at a high level. Ross teams with McCann to form one of the best catching duos in the MLB. The major issue that the Braves face with Ross is that he is their best hitter on the bench. Hell, to be honest, he may be one of the top 5 hitters on the team as a whole. So, what should the Braves do with Ross?

Look at what Ross has done with the Braves in the three seasons he has played with the team:

He posted WARs of 1.9, 1.1 and 0.7 over these three seasons. He was 2nd on the team in OPS+ in 2009, led the team in 2010 and was tied for 5th last year with Dan Uggla.

Here is what Eric Hinske has done in his two years with the Braves:

Hinske posted identical WARs to Ross, in 2010 (1.1) and 2011 (0.7). His OPS+ in 2010 was solid, but was poor last season.

If Ross had as many ABs as Hinske the past two seasons, he would have posted WARs of 2.4 (2010) and 1.1 (2011). If he as many ABs as Nate McLouth last season, he would have posted a WAR of 1.2.

There is no way that Ross can have his ABs increased to the level of Hinske or McLouth last season. If he were to get that many ABs, that would mean Brian McCann would have to be injured for a significant period of time. This would be a disaster for the Braves. However, if his ABs increased through pinch-hitting, his value to the team would be felt much more than it is currently.

Last year, Hinske hit .161/.254/.268/.522 as a pinch-hitter. Matt Diaz hit .245/.296/.265 as a pinch-hitter. Out of 152 ABs, Ross had 5 ABs as a pinch-hitter and was 0 for 5. It is hard to predict the success he may have in so few attempts. However, comparing his splits with Hinske and Matt Diaz will enable us to see the true value of Ross’ bat.

Here are Ross’ splits:

Here are Hinske’s splits:

Here are Diaz’s splits:

Although, Ross is right-handed, he has been the best hitter against right-handed pitching for the Braves off the bench the past two seasons. Diaz should never hit against right-handed pitchers. Hinske should never hit against left-handed pitchers. Ross hit better against left-handed pitchers in 2010 in comparison to Diaz, though Diaz hit over .400 against lefties in 2009.

Would the Atlanta Braves be better off by carrying another catcher on the team to free up Ross’ bat for pinch-hitting situations? Yes.

The Braves’ bench currently consists of Diaz, Ross, Hinske, Juan Francisco, Jack Wilson and Jose Constanza. Constanza will be optioned to the minors today. The Braves’ hands are tied by the acquisition of Francisco. He only plays third base and is out of options. They are going to give him every opportunity to succeed this year.

The only option that the Braves would have in this scenario would be to cut ties with either Diaz or Hinske. Diaz’s ability to hit lefties makes him more attractive than Hinske. Hinske, however, is the better overall player. He can play multiple positions, while Diaz can only play in the OF.

Since Ross is our best hitter on the bench, the Braves need to be creative in how to get the most out of him in every situation. He will have plenty of ABs when he is giving McCann a day off. Finding a way to get him ABs when McCann is in the lineup should be the priority for the Braves. This will make the bench more effective.