Jason Rogers Makes Brewers History

Sep 18, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jason R0gers (15) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Rogers had one seriously impressive month of September. If this is news to you, check out Joe Block’s tweet on the matter:

While it’s true that his 47 plate appearances aren’t as many as several of the other top players on the list, history is history. He still appeared in as many or more games than his closest competition, the difference being he mostly appeared as a pinch hitter.

It is worth noting that these numbers are subject to change as he gets plate appearances in October, as baseball reference joins Sept/Oct.

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Over his 21 September games, Rogers slashed .488/.553/.707, which is also good for the single highest on-base percentage in a month as a Brewer, and the third highest OPS.

In that time, Rogers walked six times and struck out eight. This ultra-hot month bumped his season slash to .306/.378/.456, good for 0.8 WAR in just 164 plate appearances.

It is certainly a popular opinion here at RtB that Rogers should have an increased role in 2016, and I think he allows the team to seriously consider trading Adam Lind without being left with a 2013 first base situation. *shutter*

Given his .363 BABIP, it should be obvious that Rogers’ batting average would fall over a full season’s work, but I also expect an improvement in his power numbers, and perhaps BB% if given the chance to take the field consistenly. If he’s a .270/.340/.420 hitter, of which he seems fully capable, he would be right around a league average first baseman, which is an above average league hitter.

These kinds of players are frequently understated, but they free up teams in rebuilding situations to deal away their top starters and avoid a huge fall in production.

Trading away Lind may not be a popular idea with everyone, but it’s no secret that his improved defense and a full, healthy season have made him an attractive option. And as his historical September can attest, Jason Rogers is the capable next man up.