TB 5 SF 2
Dereck Rodriguez got the first two outs in the 1st inning and then had a nightmare sequence: double, double, homer, homer. Suddenly it was 4-0 Rays and the home team never quite recovered. They did conjure up a couple of runs and had the bases loaded with no outs late in the game but responded with a strike out and double play to erase that chance. And so it goes.
Jeff Samardzija takes on Ryne Stanek at 1:05 Pacific tomorrow.
Go Giants!
--M.C.
6 comments:
OK,OK.....I realize it's early in the season, but the similarity to the past two years, i.e. the lack of offense, is something to be concerned with? I hope Giants find their groove and find a way to score runners in scoring position, so I can change my tune. Until then.............GO GIANTS!!!!!
If there are no men on base, and the Rays play 2 infielders and 4 outfielders, why can't Belt simply hit an easy ground ball where they are not playing, and get on base. At least try to instead of hitting a lazy flyout to one of 4 outfielders waiting for it. If he had a history of hitting 40 or 50 homers a year, I guess I would say, sure: Swing for the fences. But he is not a 40 or 50 home run guy, and there was no one on base. So get the guy in the stretch, and see what the guy behind you can do. Maybe Belt just isn't good enough to do that. But if he starts going against the shift, perhaps they will stop shifting on him so much.
If the kid had been able to control his Opening Day nerves, the game would have been entirely different. It's a shame. Other than that one inning (and the outcome) the game was exciting and entertaining. I like that we are managing to muster late inning rallies. It keeps me interested even when the score is lopsided like last night.
I suspect the Giants will improve, but they aren't going to set any scoring records!
I think it is hard to change the way you hit--it's easy for fans to say "bunt" or "hit the other way" but it's not that simple. Belt has made a fine career for himself and been a valuable player doing what works for him. Players are taught to get a good pitch to hit and to and hit it as hard as they can. In fact, velocity off the bat is a better indicator of success for a hitter than almost any other measurement. It's a big adjustment, much like a fastball pitcher learning to get guys out when his heater starts to fade. Some guys can pull it off, and extend their careers, but most can't.
Michael Reed returns to the organization and is on the River Cats roster.
Belt is a major league hitter. If he cannot take the ball the other way when they give it to him, he needs to re-evaluate himself as a hitter. Giancarlo Stanton, or some other hitter who may hit 50 homeruns, can say, I am still more valuable as a guy who can hit the bomb. And with men on, I would expect him to go for extra-bases or the bomb, but with no one on, and the team down several runs, Belt who has been known as an on base guy, should be able to beat the shift once in a while, for the immediate effect, and for other teams not being so willing to consistently play the shift on him. Baseball sometimes is more about being macho, and getting the big contract, than playing for the win. We saw what a base hit By Conner Joe, and a bunt by Pillar did to spark the team. I would not suggest that Belt bunt, but instead just take what they give you when they give it to you, especially when the team is down a few runs, and the hitter is not a major home run hitter.
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