(NOTE: For those of you that don't know, Todd is a long time commenter at the site, and a long time friend. I've asked him to contribute as frequently, or as seldom, as he chooses.)
Roles have reversed since Manny was suspended. For the first month of the season, it was the young power hitters leading the team and putting up monster numbers. Manny, Kemp, and Ethier were the best offensive outfield in the majors. Now the only reason the outfield is productive is due to Pierre playing unreal.
Post Suspension:
Ethier: .120 AVG, 3 RBI, 13K
Kemp: .280 AVG, 8 RBI, 1 HR, 11K
It has been the veterans stepping up and carrying the offensive load, getting clutch hits, and getting on base. Blake, Pierre, Martin, and the consistent Hudson have taken over.
Numbers w/o Manny:
Blake: .425 AVG, 10 RBI, 4 HR
Pierre: .434 AVG, 4 RBI, .492 OBP
Martin: .316 AVG, 2 RBI, .469 OBP
What has caused this change? Is it the kids losing their enthusiasm without Manny's presence in the dugout (and the lineup)? Is it just veterans stepping up to motivate their club? They are still playing great ball, but how long can Pierre keep rolling and Blake keep knockin 'em out? Thankfully the pitching has opposing teams struggling to tally runs.
The entertainment of a 162 game season.
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1 comment:
It is wrong that every time I see Blake come to bat I think "Casey can knock these runs in?"
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