| Player | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|
| D Jeter SS | .323 | .367 | .449 |
| N Swisher RF | .257 | .344 | .454 |
| A Rodriguez DH | .275 | .356 | .455 |
| R Cano 2B | .301 | .370 | .537 |
| R Martin C | .209 | .313 | .386 |
| S Pearce 1B | .241 | .320 | .425 |
| C Granderson CF | .234 | .324 | .479 |
| A Jones LF | .205 | .292 | .414 |
| J Nix 3B | .250 | .306 | .400 |
They all have horrible-to-mediocre batting averages and on-base percentages, and only Curtis Granderson has a slugging percentage rising above that level.
When the bulk of the batting order resembles the lineup of the 1967 Yankees more than that of the 2009 powerhouse, mixing in some hit-and-runs is imperative. Girardi however has abandoned the hit-and-run throughout the team's ongoing offensive malaise.
Tonight was typical, alas - there were a few hit-and-run opportunities:
- In the 3rd inning, after A-Rod and Cano led off with walks.
- In the 4th, after Andruw Jones led off with a walk.
- In the 8th, when Andruw Jones walked with one out.
In all 3 cases there was no attempt to hit-and-run; in all 3 cases the runners ended up remaining at their stations, none of them scored. It makes one wonder if Girardi has cracked up and imagined Yogi Berra, Lou Gehrig, and Graig Nettles were coming up instead of Martin, Pearce, and Nix.
It's not Girardi's fault that the front office has filled the roster with too much scrap. But it is his job to make the most of what he has; and for this bunch, that means taking occasional risks by mixing in some hit-and-runs.
Too many old guys and too many banged up guys, but I agree with what you're saying, George. The offense has become incredibly one and sometimes none-dimensional.
ReplyDeleteAnd throw a little blame Nix's way for the 8th. Whether they were trying to set up a H&R with Dickerson or a straight steal, Nix gave them no chance for either by swinging at the 1st pitch.
Yeah Brad, Nix didn't allow anything to develop. Maybe I'm making Joe a scapegoat?
DeleteYour comment made me check the game log. In the 3rd inning, neither Martin nor Pearce got into a favorable hit-and-run count. However, in the 4th inning Nix did get himself into a favorable count after taking the first pitch.