For average, but what about his career on base %....mediocre. Lead off is about getting on base and setting the table.... not just about getting hits. He is getting paid like a .300 hitter who hits 30+ hrs a year. Tell me you believe he is worth 18 million a year?!
He is the 18th highest paid baseball player. He is overrated when you consider this.
I disagree completely. He gets on base well, he isn't a double play possibility in most cases, and he doesn't strike out often, he puts the ball in play and is very clutch.
Yankees would have taken him in a heartbeat a few years ago, and Ichiro would be making more than he is now.
Its terrible to be 1st or 2nd in Hits and average every year, who would pay a leadoff hitter for that consistency.
His obp is around .375 for his career. Only people who are higher, for the most part are big mashers who walk alot. Every MLB team would take someone at the top of their lineup getting on base a 38 times out of 100. Runs will score.
He is arguably one of the best hitters EVER.