Michael Harris’ defense has been making up for his poor start to the season offensively. Earlier today on The Morning Shift, Beau Morgan and Mike Johnson explained why it’s okay that Michael Harris is struggling at the plate right now.
“I’m okay with Michael Harris as long as he’s around that .250, .260, with an on base percentage in the .330s, 3:40s. With his defense he’s saving you runs that he might not right now be producing them at the plate, but he’s saving them for you. I am totally okay with a guy like Michael Harris.” Beau said.
Mike expands on Beau’s point and explains why Beau would be okay with those offensive numbers from Micheal Harris II. “He is this lineup’s version of a shortstop. He’s the Omar Vizquel, because Arcia is knocking the cover off the ball, Arcia is hitting .340, he’s not hitting like a shortstop, so you can stomach the fact that all of a sudden your centerfielder, who is a highly rated talent, some people could consider a five tool kind of player.” Johnson said
Mike continued by saying “You can live with the fact he’s now below the .200 mark in batting average, because he fits that number nine hole, Omar Vizquel, Ozzie Guillen type shortstop that you would’ve seen in yesteryear of guys that don’t hit really well, but they’re going to save a bunch of hits up the middle and in the hole. That’s what he’s playing center field like right now.” Johnson said.
Mike also mentioned that while the Braves offense isn’t hurting for offensive production from Michael Harris, “things would open back up” for the Braves if Michael Harris II and/or Austin Riley “start to go on a tear” and maybe getting swept by the Blue Jays isn’t a thing that happens anymore.
Much like Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris’ value goes much further than what he does with the bat, but when Money Mike does get out of this slump it’s going to make this Braves team that’s already 27-16 and in first place in the NL East that much better.