Dave Concepcion had a fine career for the Reds. The nine time All-Star racked up over 2,300 hits, and won five gold glove awards. The tandem of Concepcion and Morgan is just as good, if not better, then the double play combo of Lou Whitaker and Alan Trammell.

But for the first time so far, the Reds are out-matched. Yes, Concepcion did win a gold glove. But so did Tram. And Concepcion really had a pretty mediocre season with the bat. Let’s take a look”

Runs 62
Homeruns 5
RBIs 49
Average .274
OBP .326
SLG% .353
Runs Created 58
OPS+ 88
Batting Runs Above Replacement 19
Fielding Runs Above Replacement 48
Equalized Average .262
Wins Above Replacement Player 7.4

The OPS+ of 88 really tells the story here. Concepcion had only 29 extra base hits (Tram had more doubles alone), and his equalized average of .262 is quite plain. The only statisitcal category that Concepcion took was FRAR.

So I concede. Tram wins, and the Reds now have a single blemish on their record.

Scorecard – 1975 Reds 4, 1984 Tigers 1

Brian told me we’re about a third of our way to our goal in raising enough money to buy Diamond Mind. If you want to help (we all know you do), check out what I’m talking about here. Or here. Or even here.

You can read Brian’s analysis at Tigerblog, once he finds time to stop gloating about his victory and actually writes it up.

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