Dave Magadan is a patient hitter who is willing to work the count. His good eye is visible in his .390 lifetime on-base percentage. His skill as a contact hitter also shows up in his strikeout totals, which are quite low by today's standards. A quintessential Magadan hit is served to left field with an artistic flick of the wrists.
What has really held Magadan back is a severe lack of power, especially for a corner infielder. He might be a good leadoff candidate, except he is "deceptively slow" -- one would think this long-legged fellow would be able to move. Ultimately, he's John Olerud without the sock or the glove -- but that's still been good enough to keep him in the majors for 16 seasons.
Also by Rory Costello
» Calvin Pickering
» Midre Cummings
» Turk Wendell
» Alfonso Gerard
» More submissions
Posted January 2, 2002.
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