5-2 Was The Real Score
Last season the Brewers led the league in home runs. It was home runs that kept them in first or second all season long. This season, the home runs have been few and far between in comparison. If the pitchers are going to give up more home runs than the hitters are able to hit, then they will lose more often than not. This may seem like an obvious statement, but if they were able to play small ball a little better than the currently do, the other team would be able to hit a few more home runs and the Brewers would still be able to pull out a majority of the games they play.
If Rickie leads off the game with a base hit, I would rather have Ned tell Mike Cameron to lay down a bunt to push Rickie over than have him swing away and end up striking out. With his speed, he may even beat out a bunt and give the Brewers two runners. If Cameron lays down a bunt and Rickie ends up at second, then Braun or Fielder just need a base hit to start the game with 1-0 lead. Worst case scenario, the bunt is a bad one and Weeks is thrown out at second, but is replaced at first by a speedy Cameron. You may think this is a waste of a Cameron AB, and it may be, but until they get the small ball going on a regular basis, I am all for it. Other than Fielder and Braun, if the leadoff batter in an inning gets on, the next batter should bunt him over. Just my opinion... feel free to agree or disagree.
If Rickie leads off the game with a base hit, I would rather have Ned tell Mike Cameron to lay down a bunt to push Rickie over than have him swing away and end up striking out. With his speed, he may even beat out a bunt and give the Brewers two runners. If Cameron lays down a bunt and Rickie ends up at second, then Braun or Fielder just need a base hit to start the game with 1-0 lead. Worst case scenario, the bunt is a bad one and Weeks is thrown out at second, but is replaced at first by a speedy Cameron. You may think this is a waste of a Cameron AB, and it may be, but until they get the small ball going on a regular basis, I am all for it. Other than Fielder and Braun, if the leadoff batter in an inning gets on, the next batter should bunt him over. Just my opinion... feel free to agree or disagree.
I whole-hearted agree with your small-ball desire. This team strikes out way too much to depend on the long ball.
But with that being said, Rickie Weeks is very unlikely to lead off the game with a hit. Rickie is a TERRIBLE leadoff hitter. He's almost more likely to walk than he is getting a hit. And this isn't Albert Pujols we're talking about here. He isn't being pitched around. Weeks reeks.
What kind of delusions do we have of being a post season team if our leadoff hitter isn't hitting his weight?
Ned is a more of a bafoon each and everyday he doesn't put Corey Hart back into the leadoff spot. The argument is there that Corey won't be able to use his run driving abilities in the #1 spot. But if our leadoff hitter is always waltzing back to the dugout after yet another K, what runs are there to drive in?
Report any abuse or spam
Todd,
I could not agree with you more... I would also rather have Corey Hart as the leadoff man, but reality is that will not happen as long as Rickie is on the team. Isn't having the pitcher hitting eighth supposed to create for run driving opportunities for the top of the lineup? If it is, then it is a shame Corey isn't leading off as you suggest.
Steve
Report any abuse or spam