These are the leading hitters in the major leagues for last April. Do I think every hitter does the same thing every year? No, I don’t. But hitters do tend to follow patterns. If these players were good in April last year, there’s at least a chance they will be good this year. Also, as I went over in this spring training stats post, just because a hitter isn’t hitting in March doesn’t preclude a big April. Anyway, here’s some top hitters for the month of April last year:
Carlos Pena – Right now, he couldn’t hit the dirt off a hoe (the farm tool, guys, c’mon). Last year, 9 homers in April. Year before, 6. Pre-All-Star Break last year, 24 homers. Yeah, he tends to start hot.
Adrian Gonzalez – 22 homers pre-ASB in 2008, 24 homers in 2009. 9 homers in April, 11 homers in May. Think about this shizz for a second. 25 homers pre-ASB in 2010 then he’s traded to the Red Sox. As Sgt. O’Malley would say, “Top of the morning to ya!”
Alfonso Soriano – Was solid in April (7 HRs, 4 steals, .284). Has been better in the first half the last couple of years. (Couple is a sneaky way of saying two, yet making it seem like it’s more than two. Girlfriend, “How many dollars did you leave on that twenty dollar bill?” You, “A couple.” Later in the relationship: You, “How many of my friends did you sleep with?” Girlfriend, “Four.”)
Ian Kinsler – When you skip the last month of every season, it only makes sense that you would be good in the first. If Kinsler isn’t good in April, then you really have worries.
Raul Ibanez – There’s quite a few older players on this list. Makes sense to me that an older player would start well only to trail off as the season starts to take its toll.
Justin Morneau – April’s been historically his 2nd best month after May. This could change with the new stadium.
Bobby Abreu – By far his biggest steal month last year was April. See Ibanez’s blurb or seven-eighths of an inch above.
Dexter Fowler – Not much of a sample size here, but last year he stole 9 bases in April. Maybe he was trying to prove his value to the club. Maybe this year he’ll need to do the same thing.
Torii Hunter – From 2007 to 2009, he’s been superior in the 1st half of the year. Isn’t it weird how 2007 to 2009 is three years, but if you subtract 7 from 9 it’s two? Yeah, maybe it’s just me.
Jorge Cantu – Was good for power last April. Was not good in any other month. That’s Was (Not Was) for you crazy 80’s kids.
