Article: Twins Daily Awards 2017: Most Valuable Player

[Seth Stohs]

We know that Major League Baseball keeps its definition of “valuable” as in “Most Valuable Player” intentionally vague. While many believe that it is an attempt to keep people talking about it longer, it is also simply because people define value in different ways. Some believe it should be an award simply given to the best player. Others will argue that other intangibles such as leadership and clutchness should factor in. Some believe that an MVP should be part of a playoff team. Others think that it should be a player from a team that at least contended for a playoff spot. Others don’t care about team’s success in an MVP discussion.

 

As it relates to a team MVP - as opposed to a team’s MVP - other factors can come into play as well. Some may be statistical. Others may be perceived leadership or a willingness to answer the tough questions from the media following a good or bad game.

 

Fortunately for the Twins, and their fans, in 2017 the Twins had several players that made big improvements and factor into consideration for Twins 2017 MVP. Today we announce our panel’s choice for team MVP.

 

Congratulations to the Twins Daily 2017 Twins Most Valuable Player, Brian Dozier!For the third straight year, the Twins Daily Twins MVP goes to their second baseman, Brian Dozier. In 2015, the Twin Cities media voted Miguel Sano team MVP while Dozier received the Twins Daily nod. In 2016, Dozier hit 42 home runs for a 103-loss team to be the easy choice for MVP.

 

In 2017, the choice was much more difficult because there was not a shortage of candidates.

 

 

THE OFFENSE

 

Offensively, Brian Dozier led the way. He was the Twins leader in many statistical categories including:

 

Games Player (152)

Plate Appearances (705, 108 more than the next)

Runs (106, went over the century mark for the fourth stretch season)

Hits (166)

Home Runs (34)

RBI (93)

Walks (78, including six intentional)

Hit By Pitch (8)

 

All of that out of the leadoff spot. He did a good job of getting on base and providing power and production.

 

 

While we knew that it was likely that Dozier would regress from his 42-home runs season, it could be argued that his 2017 season was more impressive. It’s always more important to see that kind of production when the team is experiencing success, including such a dramatic improvement year-over-year. Dozier’s 1.51 WPA was a career-high.

 

Dozier also led the team in wRC+ (124) and wOBA (.361). His Offensive WAR (from FanGraphs) was 24.2. The next Twins player on the list was at 11.0. While he finished behind Byron Buxton and Ervin Santana in bWAR, Dozier led the team in fWAR at 4.9.

 

Dozier finished second to Miguel Sano in OPS (.853) and OPS+ (126 vs 127 for Sano). He was also second only to Byron Buxton in Stolen Bases with 16.

 

 

OTHER IMPROVEMENTS

 

Brian Dozier turned 30 years old in May but still found areas to improve. Over the last three seasons, Dozier has improved his ability to use the whole field. In 2015, he pulled the ball 60.2% of the time, hit the ball to center 24.2% of the time and to the opposite field just 15.6% of the time. In 2016, his opposite field percentage was about the same (15.3%), but his pull percentage dropped to 56.4% and his hits to center bumped up those 4% to 28.3% In 2017, his pull percentage dropped to 50.4%. His percentage to centerfield bumped up another 4% to 32% His Opposite field number jumped up to 17.6% While that may seem inconsequential, it was clear there were several times that he put the ball in play with two outs, punching a single past the infield shift to drive in a run. He also hit more home runs to right field.

 

Also, he swung at 23.4% of pitches outside the strike zone, an improvement of five to six percentage points from where he had been the previous seasons. As we saw with Eddie Rosario, that seemingly small difference can make a huge difference in production.

 

 

DEFENSE

 

While Dozier’s range statistics aren’t at the top of any lists, his ability to make the plays that he gets to continues to improve. He had just five errors on the entire season. His defensive WAR stats put him at league average. Combined with his offense, that is a very valuable trait.

 

 

 

LEADERSHIP

 

When Torii Hunter retired following the 2015 season, some questioned who would take over the helm as the leader of the Twins clubhouse. Hunter himself also noted that Dozier had the qualities to be a great leader.

 

But leadership takes time and isn’t (or shouldn’t be) handed to anyone. It took time. But in 2017, it was clear that Brian Dozier was the leader of the Twins clubhouse. It isn't just because he is great with the media and willing to talk about good or bad.

 

Sure, leadership can be unquantifiable. You can’t put a number value to it, but it’s also clear that it is a very important intangible necessary on any team. In early September, Nick wrote an article on how Brian Dozier took the lead.

 

The Twins traded both Jaime Garcia and Brandon Kintzler at the trade deadline. Dozier spoke out, unafraid to say how disappointed he was, but also specifically saying that he and the team would prove a lot of people wrong. “Book it!” it what he would often say.

 

It’s fun to hear a player make that kind of bold statement, but Dozier backed it up. In August, he hit .319/.419/.603 (1.023). In September, he hit .298/.393/.596 (.990). That’s putting a team on your back.

 

But don’t discount what it means to players for him to acknowledge them in postgame interviews for doing their job. For instance, remember Dozier’s huge eighth-inning, three-run homer in Cleveland to give the Twins a lead and help drop their Magic Number to one. Before Dozier’s at bat, Niko Goodrum had pinch run at first base. On a single, Goodrum advanced to third base. Dozier allowed him to score easily with the home run, but in the postgame, he talked about how important it was for Goodrum to get to third base, making Dozier’s only job to get a ball up in the zone and drive it to the outfield.

 

That isn’t the first time he’s done that. He pushed teammates. He encourages them through these types of means, not to mention what he does behind clubhouse doors.

 

He worked hard with Jorge Polanco, his double play partner, giving him confidence when things were going well, but especially when Polanco went through a tough stretch. Dozier led the way in discussing how the Twins wouldn’t have won a lot of early-season games without the defense of Byron Buxton, even when Buxton was struggling at the plate. He backed pitchers when they had their rough stretches.

 

For all those reasons, Brian Dozier was the Twins 2017 MVP. It is just nice to see that being the case for a playoff team where many players had strong, productive seasons.

 

 

CANDIDATES

 

Byron Buxton, who was our choice for Most Improved Player in 2017, made the vote quite close. Because of his status as best defensive outfielder in baseball, his Wins Above Replacement statistics are very high. His bWAR was a team-top 5.1, just ahead of Ervin Santana and Dozier. And there is a sense that when Buxton plays well and hits at all, his abilities carry the team.

 

Ervin Santana, our choice for Twins Best Pitcher in 2017, gave the Twins exactly what they needed early in the season. During the season’s first two months, he was unhittable. He threw complete games and shutouts, he hardly gave up base runners, much less runs. He was a deserving All Star and won some big games down the stretch.

 

Joe Mauer put together his best season, by far, since his concussion in 2013. He returned to form, hitting over .300 and was among the league leaders in on-base percentage. He also played a gold-glove caliber first base.

 

Eddie Rosario figured out a way to swing at less pitches and in doing so, he showed how dangerous he can be as a hitter. For long periods of time, he carried the Twins offense. He had a career-high 27 home runs and some of them were very clutch.

 

When he was hurt in mid-August, Miguel Sano was a likely MVP candidate for the Twins due to his power and production. He also showed that he can be a very good defensive third baseman if he wants to be.

 

 

THE BALLOTS

 

Here's a look at the ballots from each of our nine voters. Opinions varied greatly on this one. Four players got first-place votes and seven players got votes.

 

Seth Stohs: 1) Brian Dozier, 2) Byron Buxton, 3) Joe Mauer, 4) Eddie Rosario, 5) Ervin Santana

Nick Nelson: 1) Brian Dozier, 2) Byron Buxton, 3) Miguel Sano, 4) Eddie Rosario, 5) Joe Mauer

Parker Hageman: 1) Byron Buxton, 2) Brian Dozier, 3) Eddie Rosario, 4) Ervin Santana, 5) Jose Berrios

John Bonnes: 1) Ervin Santana, 2) Joe Mauer, 3) Brian Dozier, 4) Byron Buxton, 5) Miguel Sano

Jeremy Nygaard: 1) Byron Buxton, 2) Joe Mauer, 3) Ervin Santana, 4) Brian Dozier, 5) Eddie Rosario

Cody Christie: 1) Brian Dozier, 2) Byron Buxton, 3) Joe Mauer, 4) Miguel Sano, 5) Ervin Santana

Steve Lien: 1) Brian Dozier, 2) Byron Buxton, 3) Ervin Santana, 4) Eddie Rosario, 5) Miguel Sano

Tom Froemming: 1) Ervin Santana, 2) Brian Dozier, 3) Eddie Rosario, 4) Byron Buxton, 5) Joe Mauer

Ted Schwerzler: 1) Byron Buxton, 2) Brian Dozier, 3) Ervin Santana, 4) Miguel Sano, 5) Jose Berrios

 

 

POINTS

 

Brian Dozier: 37

Byron Buxton: 34

Ervin Santana: 23

Joe Mauer: 16

Eddie Rosario: 13

Miguel Sano: 9

Jose Berrios: 2

 

Do you agree with our committee's pick? Who would be your choice for Twins Most Valuable Player and why?

 

 

PREVIOUS TWINS DAILY MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

 

2015: Brian Dozier

2016: Brian Dozier

 

 

2017 TWINS DAILY AWARDS

 

2017 Most Improved: Byron Buxton

2017 Rookie of the Year: Trevor Hildenberger

2017 Pitcher of the Year: Ervin Santana

2017 Most Valuable Player: Brian Dozier

 

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[mazeville]

Can't fully argue with it. I'd personally say Buxton is the MVP, simply because his defense almost single handedly turned the team from a bad defensive team into a good defensive team. Also, his hitting really came on this year.

 

Mauer was also a stud this year on both sides of the ball, and his defense saved an awful lot of errors over there at first. 

[Squirrel]

Can't fully argue with it. I'd personally say Buxton is the MVP, simply because his defense almost single handedly turned the team from a bad defensive team into a good defensive team. Also, his hitting really came on this year.

 

Mauer was also a stud this year on both sides of the ball, and his defense saved an awful lot of errors over there at first.

 

Concur. But as you said, can't really argue it, either. I couldn't really argue any choice in this category of the main contenders. It all depends on how you weight everything. And while no one category is more important than the other, imo, I still put a higher weight on defense, and this year I'd still say Buxton or Mauer were more valuable overall.

[USAFChief]

Dozier, by quite a bit.  Buxton a distant second.

[ashbury]

I don't have an exact definition of "Valuable" either, but for me it comes down to a couple of things. Who was most indispensible this year? Who would get the most interest from other GMs if you offered a trade? Either definition of valuable leads me to Buxton, with Santana a respectable second.

[USAFChief]

 

Concur. But as you said, can't really argue it, either. I couldn't really argue any choice in this category of the main contenders. It all depends on how you weight everything. And while no one category is more important than the other, imo, I still put a higher weight on defense, and this year I'd still say Buxton or Mauer were more valuable overall.

Among other things, both Buxton and Mauer had significantly less playing time than Dozier.

 

 

[Squirrel]

Among other things, both Buxton and Mauer had significantly less playing time than Dozier.

I stand by my opinion as you stand by yours.

[Halsey Hall]

Buxton's and Mauer's defense certainly can't be overlooked.  Mauer saved a ton of errors over at first base, and he hit as we know he can.  I'd rate Mauer higher, but do agree on Dozier. 

[stringer bell]

I agree with the selection. Twins broadcasters said that BD had a better year this year. I wouldn't go that far, but he was very good. I think his overall contribution puts him near elite, with only Altuve being clearly superior to him at his position. There is something to be said for his durability, as well. Since he became a regular st second base, he's logged far more games and plate appearances than anyone on the Twins and I don't know of anyone else in MLB that has over 2800 plate appearances in the last four years. Dozier's ability to adjust (use the whole field, chase fewer pitches) bodes well for the future.

[Twinsoholic]

How did Escobar not make anyone's list? Truly overlooked contributions from Mighty Mouse--particularly when Sano went on the DL. I suspect he would be mentioned a lot for MVP if you polled the players.

[ashbury]

Among other things, both Buxton and Mauer had significantly less playing time than Dozier.

The team's results during Buxton's time out of the lineup might be an argument in his favor.

[Seth Stohs]

 

I don't have an exact definition of "Valuable" either, but for me it comes down to a couple of things. Who was most indispensible this year? Who would get the most interest from other GMs if you offered a trade? Either definition of valuable leads me to Buxton, with Santana a respectable second.

 

I guess I would respectfully disagree with this. To me, there is a huge difference between 'value to a team' and 'trade value.' I mean, otherwise Nick Gordon might be more valuable than Brian Dozier at this stage. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Buxton's and Mauer's defense certainly can't be overlooked.  Mauer saved a ton of errors over at first base, and he hit as we know he can.  I'd rate Mauer higher, but do agree on Dozier. 

 

Correct... their defense certainly plays into their value... hopefully the Gold Glove voters will agree with us on Mauer and Buxton. 

[Tom Froemming]

 

How did Escobar not make anyone's list? Truly overlooked contributions from Mighty Mouse--particularly when Sano went on the DL. I suspect he would be mentioned a lot for MVP if you polled the players.

Problem is you could say the same thing for 7-8 guys this year. Who do you take out of the top 5 to put Escobar in? What does your top 5 look like?

[Twinsoholic]

Hi Tom,

 

Good question. The 5 players I would have (not necessarily in this order) are:

 

Rosario

Escobar

Dozier

Buxton

Mauer

 

I realize a great case can be made for Santana, but he pitches every 5th day and seemed to be more dominant in the 1st half of the season than in the second half.

 

It is a good thing that there are so many Twins players who had large impacts on the success this season.

 

If he had not been traded in late July Kintzler would no doubt be a top 5 Twins player. Perhaps the case should be made that he still should be edging out some on the lists that started this thread.

[ashbury]

I guess I would respectfully disagree with this. To me, there is a huge difference between 'value to a team' and 'trade value.

Yeah, you're right. I was looking for a (quasi-)analytic way to cross-check what my eye tells me, but trade value is too bound up in future value too. And I don't know how to imagine what a GM would "pay" for just one season in isolation, of Dozier versus Buxton versus everyone else, so never mind about that at all.

[drjim]

 

Yeah, you're right. I was looking for a (quasi-)analytic way to cross-check what my eye tells me, but trade value is too bound up in future value too. And I don't know how to imagine what a GM would "pay" for just one season in isolation, of Dozier versus Buxton versus everyone else, so never mind about that at all.

 

Not only future value, but contract and years of control along with where they are in their career (upside, peak, downside) factor into trade value.

 

I do think the question of who had the most valuable season based on how much they are paid is very interesting, but perhaps not the question that is being answered in this award? If so, I would think Berrios was much more valuable than Santana, for example, considering Santana made 25x the salary.

[Parker Hageman]

While Dozier’s range statistics aren’t at the top of any lists, his ability to make the plays that he gets to continues to improve. He had just five errors on the entire season. His defensive WAR stats put him at league average. Combined with his offense, that is a very valuable trait.

 

 

I don't think this is quite the right assessment of Dozier's defensive contributions when it comes to the statistic side of it. The part about him converting plays on the ones he gets to is accurate but I think the defensive metrics paint him in a different light.

 

I'll start by saying I do not have a complete trust in the advanced defensive metrics. Each of them have a different flaw while all of them have the flaw of sample size. That being said, when you look at them in aggregate, the picture painted is not one of a league average defender but rather a below-to-slightly below average one.

 

1. Dozier had -4 Defensive Runs Saved (one of the lowest among starting second basemen) with only Brad Miller, Neil Walker, Starlin Castro, Brandon Phillips, Scooter Gennett, Joe Panik and Daniel Murphy as starters with lower DRS.

 

2. Ultimate Zone Rating has him at -1.3 runs, or 13th among all second basemen with a minimum of 700 innings. 

 

3. His Revised Zone Rating (how many balls in the second base zone he converts into outs) was .774, 8th. 

 

4. Inside Edge metrics say he's great at the 100%-ers but OK at both the 50-90%-ers (79.3% conversion rate) and the 40-60%-ers (52.4% conversion rate). 

 

In terms of #2-#3 the amount of times Dozier shifts has an influence on where those numbers go. For instance, for RZR out-of-zone plays Dozier leads the league with 99 plays made but that doesn't take into account a defensive shift. Inside Edge's stats do which shows that he's not making those plays with his feet. 

 

I think Dozier does a lot of things right that don't get measured by these stats (makes some of the best forehand/backhand plays in the game) but, in sum, we need to accept that he's not great at getting to plays. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

I don't think this is quite the right assessment of Dozier's defensive contributions when it comes to the statistic side of it. The part about him converting plays on the ones he gets to is accurate but I think the defensive metrics paint him in a different light.

 

I'll start by saying I do not have a complete trust in the advanced defensive metrics. Each of them have a different flaw while all of them have the flaw of sample size. That being said, when you look at them in aggregate, the picture painted is not one of a league average defender but rather a below-to-slightly below average one.

 

1. Dozier had -4 Defensive Runs Saved (one of the lowest among starting second basemen) with only Brad Miller, Neil Walker, Starlin Castro, Brandon Phillips, Scooter Gennett, Joe Panik and Daniel Murphy as starters with lower DRS.

 

2. Ultimate Zone Rating has him at -1.3 runs, or 13th among all second basemen with a minimum of 700 innings. 

 

3. His Revised Zone Rating (how many balls in the second base zone he converts into outs) was .774, 8th. 

 

4. Inside Edge metrics say he's great at the 100%-ers but OK at both the 50-90%-ers (79.3% conversion rate) and the 40-60%-ers (52.4% conversion rate). 

 

In terms of #2-#3 the amount of times Dozier shifts has an influence on where those numbers go. For instance, for RZR out-of-zone plays Dozier leads the league with 99 plays made but that doesn't take into account a defensive shift. Inside Edge's stats do which shows that he's not making those plays with his feet. 

 

I think Dozier does a lot of things right that don't get measured by these stats (makes some of the best forehand/backhand plays in the game) but, in sum, we need to accept that he's not great at getting to plays. 

 

I feel like if I would have replaced "aren't at the top of any lists" with "are average to a little bit below average," I would have saved you a lot of words.

 

I think what I was trying to say is this: "We" have often said that with Buxton's defense alone, he can be a valuable player even if he's just an average or slightly below average hitter. Likewise, with Dozier, with his offense, if he can be an average or slightly below average second baseman defensively, that's a really valuable player. 

 

And I think that's shown by both of their bWAR and fWAR numbers... and other things too, I'm sure. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Leadership clearly has value in sports and in professions. Much like professions, sports struggles to try and fail at quantifying leadership.

 

BD has been outspoken about GM decisions in the past.

 

This year's comments regarding the mini-sell followed suit, however his public message this year was a little more mature. Clearly unhappy with the situation, but more focused on a "defiantly positive" outcome, rather than a feeling of being slighted.

 

He was more team behavior focused rather than individual emotion focused.

 

While still struggling with quantification, I feel like his improved leadership behaviors more than balance out his slight fielding deficiency.

 

Man it's great to see him grip it and rip it. 34 home run season following a 42 home run season!

Edited October 13, 2017 by Sconnie

[EddieMatthews]

I had Buxton as MVP.  IMHO, he single-handedly stopped at least a dozen pitcher meltdowns with his defense.  Add to that the impact as a hitter and as a base-runner and BB was a game changer.  The Twins record could have been 73-89 and worse than all AL teams except Chi and Det.  

 

My only issue with Dozier is that he is in the 1-hole.  He's not a lead-off guy.  He should be batting with ducks on the pond.  With his HR numbers his RBI totals should be triple digits.  The lead-off spot should be filled by management with someone who excels at getting on base.

 

Having said that, Dozier deserves credit for improved hitting, clutch hitting, leadership, and power.  This may be the last time Dozier leads the Twins in HR.  Sano, Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Escobar all have a shot at most HR.

[stringer bell]

Dozier was a pretty good leadoff guy this year. Yes, he hit 34 homers, many of them solos, but he had his top OBP and he worked the count quite well.

[Parker Hageman]

I feel like if I would have replaced "aren't at the top of any lists" with "are average to a little bit below average," I would have saved you a lot of words.

 

 

There is a significant difference between "not at the top of any lists" and "below average" by those lists at the position, IMO.

 

I was happy to add some words. It felt like a glossed over section, not just here but in the conversations about Dozier in general. There are four advanced defensive stats that suggest he is below average and I believe that should be a part of the discussion when contemplating his defensive capabilities. I know a lot of people want to go by the eye test on defense -- and Dozier seems to do well there -- this is that additional layer to consider. 

 

[twinfan]

Had Sano been healthy all season, he would have been the MVP. I would lean toward Santana slightly over Mauer this year with Dozier third over Buxton and Rosario or Kinzler fifth. Buxton is most improved and gets the defensive nod as well. Just my opinion.

[yarnivek1972]

I had Buxton as MVP. IMHO, he single-handedly stopped at least a dozen pitcher meltdowns with his defense. Add to that the impact as a hitter and as a base-runner and BB was a game changer. The Twins record could have been 73-89 and worse than all AL teams except Chi and Det.

 

My only issue with Dozier is that he is in the 1-hole. He's not a lead-off guy. He should be batting with ducks on the pond. With his HR numbers his RBI totals should be triple digits. The lead-off spot should be filled by management with someone who excels at getting on base.

 

Having said that, Dozier deserves credit for improved hitting, clutch hitting, leadership, and power. This may be the last time Dozier leads the Twins in HR. Sano, Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Escobar all have a shot at most HR.

I suspect that is why, at the end of the season, the Twins had Robbie Grossman and his obp in the 9 hole. So Dozier had a better chance to hit with runners on.

[jimbo92107]

 

I don't have an exact definition of "Valuable" either, but for me it comes down to a couple of things. Who was most indispensible this year? Who would get the most interest from other GMs if you offered a trade? Either definition of valuable leads me to Buxton, with Santana a respectable second.

There is a third definition of "valuable" that does not require a rigid definition, yet is still quite significant. I would call it something like "subtractive value." If the Twins had traded Dozier in the off-season last year, how would the team this season have fared without him? It's a speculative point because literally you can't say for sure. You could say they would have several fewer home runs, several fewer hits, several fewer stolen bases. Assuming Polanco moved to 2B and somebody like Adrianza played SS, the defense might be roughly equivalent.

 

On the other hand, who would have spoken up when the front office traded Jaime Garcia? Would the Twins even have contended for the last Wild Card spot? Who would have stepped up as the team leader, Sano? Santana? It has to be somebody that can express himself, in English. Mauer would be nice, but he has never been an outspoken player. If the whole team spoke Spanish, I would guess that Eddie Rosario would be the team leader. But right now, the team leader is Brian Dozier.

[Dantes929]

 

There is a third definition of "valuable" that does not require a rigid definition, yet is still quite significant. I would call it something like "subtractive value." If the Twins had traded Dozier in the off-season last year, how would the team this season have fared without him? It's a speculative point because literally you can't say for sure. You could say they would have several fewer home runs, several fewer hits, several fewer stolen bases. Assuming Polanco moved to 2B and somebody like Adrianza played SS, the defense might be roughly equivalent.

 

On the other hand, who would have spoken up when the front office traded Jaime Garcia? Would the Twins even have contended for the last Wild Card spot? Who would have stepped up as the team leader, Sano? Santana? It has to be somebody that can express himself, in English. Mauer would be nice, but he has never been an outspoken player. If the whole team spoke Spanish, I would guess that Eddie Rosario would be the team leader. But right now, the team leader is Brian Dozier.

Subtractive value....I get it but boy that's a tough one.    If Sano had not gotten hurt he probably gets MVP and you would be talking about subtractive value.   If fact Sano did get hurt and Escobar from that point hit nearly as well as he did and if Sano doesn't get hurt maybe Polanco and Escobar don't get on a roll and maybe Sano slumps and the whole thing ends up that Sano getting hurt had large additive value.   

[Mike Sixel]

Penalizing Dozier's value because there were possible replacements on the roster, imo, makes zero sense.

 

to me "how much did he contribute to winning" is the question. 

 

Dozier

Buxton

.....

.....

.....

Rosario and ESan

Mauer

No one else is close, though Sano would be 1, 2, or 3 had he been healthy.

 

 

[diehardtwinsfan]

The vote tally looks like a lot like the who is the MVP thread from last month. It is truly remarkable that so many guys were worthy. Ultimately, I'd have given it to BD, Mauer, or ESAN and not Buxton. If second half Buxton had been there in the first half, this would have been a no brainer. He wasn't. Dozier and Santana were far more consistent and far less replaceable.

 

That said, I have a sneaking suspicion that Buxton will win has fair share of these over (hopefully) the next decade or so...

[stringer bell]

It looks like the Twins MVP was awarded an additional hit after the season. I was checking BB Ref for Dozier's career bWAR and noticed they had him at .271 to finish the season. I was pretty sure he had exceeded his career high number by one point so I checked a couple other sites. Three of the five have him at .271 (.856 OPS) while two have him at .269 (.853). Somewhere someone must have changed an error to a hit.