FanPost

Offense or defense?

Last night's 9th inning brought into sharp focus one of the questions a few of us have been debating for a while.

When it comes to this team, what is more important? Offense, or defense?

Take for example our situation at second base. Geoff Blum, who has hit well since the ASB (.306/.376/.378) has struggled recently (10 for 45 in his last 10 games). Marcus, who got off to a hot start, has been terrible since May (.129/.191/.177 since the ASB). Recently, Marcus has gone 3 for 21, which doesn't appear to be much better.

Regardless, there is little debate over who is the better defender. Marcus has a much better arm, gets to way more balls (.822 ZR) than Blum (.790 ZR), and is generally just more fluid in the field.

So this begs the question. What is more important to this team? Do we sacrifice a few singles for superior defense? Or do we get a couple more hits but are ready for anything whenever the ball is hit to the right side?

For my money, Blum's lack of power and terrible D make his the less viable candidate. I think Marcus should bat 8th and play 2B every day (unless we give Antonelli or Stansberry a shot in Sept). I'd take Marcus K'ing every AB over Blum's defensive ineptitude.

This FanPost was written by a member of the Gaslamp Ball community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Gaslamp Ball staff or SB Nation.