Even though Howard was smoking hot, sitting him in place of Frandsen was the right move. What may have triggered the move was Howard’s lack of success in a small sample against Zito (1-10, 5 Ks) and Zito’s suddenly dangerous-again 12-6 curve that would have easily fooled Howard all day. But Manuel’s decision should not be limited to tough lefties with breaking balls: simply put, Frandsen should be in the line-up more, at first base or other positions, against lefties.
This isn’t a “Platoon Howard” piece more than it is a “Play Frandsen Against Lefties at some position more often” piece. Small sample warning applies and all that but here are the facts: Frandsen has hit .291/.332/.444 against lefties in 278 PA and .400/.426/.554 last season in 68 PA. He has a 74 point career difference in ISO and is among the Phillies best platoon options.
Now Ian, you may ask: where would the Phillies play Frandsen? Surely not in place of Michael Young, who has hit an even more-impressive .313/.365/.469 against lefties. But Frandsen is more than capable as an every four or five games replacement in place of Chase Utley, a career .266/.375/.470 hitter against lefties, or Jimmy Rollins, a career .272/.326/.426, as he appears to be a more-than-competent option against lefties. Yesterday was a glimpse of Manuel managing well in the event of a tough match-up – he should use Frandsen more freely against lefties to spell his veteran infielders.