I think you are discounting the intangibles that a player like Dunn brings to the table. I agree that I want my cleanup hitter to have a better average than .250, but I also want someone who will put some fear into the opposing pitcher. The Giants haven't had anyone like that since Bonds left. Say what you want about Dunn, but opposing pitchers know when he will be up late in the game and change how they pitch to others as a result.
If Dunn is on deck, Sandavol is less likely to be pitched around (which has happened much more often the second half of the season). Because while Dunn my strike out, he may also hit one into the next state.
And maybe someone can look it up, but I am pretty sure that his average is much better with runners in scoring position and also late in games. Those are also important intangibles when looking at a player.
No one would ever argue that Sammy Sosa wasn't a dangerous hitter, but it is amazing how often he struck out in big at bats and how many of his HRs came when the Cubs were either up or down by 5 or more runs. Give me the player that gets the hits when the game is on the line.
If Dunn is on deck, Sandavol is less likely to be pitched around (which has happened much more often the second half of the season). Because while Dunn my strike out, he may also hit one into the next state.
And maybe someone can look it up, but I am pretty sure that his average is much better with runners in scoring position and also late in games. Those are also important intangibles when looking at a player.
No one would ever argue that Sammy Sosa wasn't a dangerous hitter, but it is amazing how often he struck out in big at bats and how many of his HRs came when the Cubs were either up or down by 5 or more runs. Give me the player that gets the hits when the game is on the line.