Once BT realized that Sal was pitching Daniel Vogelbach as a DH option for the Yankees next season, he wanted to make sure his co-host was joking.
But Sal, noting the statistical comparison between Vogelbach and Giancarlo Stanton, was not kidding at all.
“These are facts!” Sal said. “I’m just saying, he’s a lefty bat, former All-Star, has a higher WAR, higher batting average…Vogelbach would be an upgrade. I think he’d look good in pinstripes.
“Tell me right now you’d rather have Giancarlo Stanton than Daniel Vogelbach…Stanton can’t play. He cannot run the bases and he’s always hurt. At least Vogelbach can post.”
Vogelbach and Stanton both struggled badly last season, and both have little to no defensive value. Stanton finished 2023 with a career-worst .695 OPS while batting just .191, and Vogelbach put up a .742 OPS while batting .233. Of course, Stanton’s upside is miles ahead of Vogelbach’s, but considering the difference in pay, Sal said Vogelbach could be the better option.
“One hundred percent,” Sal said. “All things considered, contract, lefty bat in Yankee Stadium, and all the numbers I just gave you.”