In 2012, Prince Fielder lead the AL in hit by pitches with 17. Quentin lead the NL with 17, but in 76 fewer games.
Fielder has 48 HBP over the last 3 years, for an average of 14.9 HBP per 650 PA.
Quentin has 60 HBP over the last 3 years, for an average of 28.9 HBP per 650 PA.
I do not know about anyone else, but I find there is a huge risk with a injury-prone player who average almost 30 HBP per 162 games.
DET HBP Leaders since 2006:
2006 Polanco, Inge 7
2007 Polanco, Inge 11
2008 Inge 8
2009 Inge 17
2010 Raburn 8
2011 Boesch 5
2012 Fielder 17, Berry and D. Young 7
Inge averaged 16.5 HBP per 650 PA from 2007-2009. Since then, he has averaged 4.8 HBP per 650 PA (2010-2012).
From 1997-1999 (probably his best 3 seasons), Damion Easley was hit 51 times, for an average of 19.9 HBP per 650 PA. The next 3 years he average 16.8 HBP per 650 PA, down to 13.1 HBP per 650 PA the following 3 seasons.
So, for players who get hit a lot, there is a noticeable regression in their HBP that also coincide with their overall stat regression. Maybe some of this is do to where they stand in the batter's box. Or maybe it is where they are pitched. In either case, Quentin gets hit by far the most of any Major Leaguer. It is part of his game. If he changes, then expect stat regression. Until then, he is one pitch away from another DL stint.
