Over the last 10 days, Shed Long has slashed .422/.458/.756 with three home runs, eight RBIs, four doubles, and one triple. Just 36 games into his Major League career, Long’s 0.9 fWAR ranks higher than Dylan Moore (110 games), Tim Beckham (88 games), Mallex Smith (129 games), Dee Gordon (112 games), and Domingo Santana (118 games).
All of the damage Long has done since September 11 has been from the leadoff spot atop the Mariners’ batting order. It’s a spot Long clearly feels comfortable in and it may just be the perfect situation for him given his above-average athleticism and power.