Why does burke and ensberg still get starts? At least Bruntlett gives you some range at short and Loretta could play second.
So far he hasn't shown he can be a everyday player in the big leagues. He can't stay healthy, he strikeouts too much, and he doesn't walk a lot. Everytime he gets a chance, he screws up.
Can’t stay healthy? He’s had one DL trip in his three years in the majors and missed all of two weeks. Otherwise, he’s been very durable, so not sure where that’s coming from. Doesn’t walk? Are you kidding? His OBP (.317) is nearly 10 points higher than his average (.221)! That’s a pretty striking discrepancy. His patience at the plate is excellent, in terms of working counts and drawing walks. In his last full season (this past year), his OBP was .347… one of the best on the team and a sizable difference from his .276 average. Chris Burke is far from perfect, but drawing more walks isn’t his issue. He needs more hits to fall. Burke has had one full season in the majors (not counting 2005, where he was rushed into the league and forced to play out of position) and it was last season. In that, his OPS was .765 and his OBP was .347. Both are at or above the league average for a starting second baseman, and on top of it, he gives good speed and plate discipline to the top of a lineup. Has he disappointed so far this season? Like much of the team, absolutely. But it would be poor management to give up on him after one-half of one season (really, even less than that… 122 at-bats!). If he can produce like he did in 2006, he’s a quality second baseman and top-of-the-order hitter for years to come. In a second half without many expectations, why in the world would you not want to give him a chance and see if he’ll recapture that form (especially considering all indications are he will)? There's nothing to lose, and the potential gain is finding out whether 2B is an area of concern for the future. That, to me, is worth finding out.
Why did Garner give away an out? There is no reason for Burke to bunt in that situation. You had two on with no one out and the top of your line up. I understand if it was late game, but not in the third inning.
Willy Taveras got two entire years worth of playing time for the above performace description... and Burke gets blame for him not performing above average in his limited time (even though last year was a pretty solid campaign for him, part time). If Willy got all the chances in the world at a position in which there was no viable alternative... Burke will get a similiar chance once it is certain that Biggio is now a part time player.
I know Luke Scott has been banged up, but he really needs to be out there every day. 10 hr's and nearly 40 rbi in his limited time is pretty impressive. I know the average isn't there, but no one really expected him to do what he did last season. If he can get out there every day from now on, 25-30 hr's and 80+ is not out of the question. Add that to Pence and Lee and you've got the makings of a pretty solid offensive outfield.
Aside from one hell of an offensive outburst, how about Wandy's 2.47 home era going even LOWER this start? edit: Jesus Christ. A 6.60 era away from MMP? What gives? Why does he pitch so well at home and yet, so bad on the road? Granted, he's not a #1/#2 starter, but can he get it together to one day be a #4 that can win about evenly on the road/home?
He's kind of like Backe. They both are MUCH better at home. Wandy should be made as a at home only pitcher unless we are on a LONG road trip.
Confidence/comfort zone can mean WONDERS for a lefty pitcher that's got simply average/below average stuff. They already have an inherent advantage if they're a lefty. If they're a lefty who can throw the ball where they want to (more times than not), they're supremely efective. And finally, when a pitcher has more confidence, or is more comfortable, he often is able to harness the mechanics to throw the ball where its supposed to go more often than not. It also takes lefties with marginal stuff a little longer to "get it" (whereas righties with marginal stuff eventualy get "figured out"). Wandy still has some maturing to do, but he can definitely blossom into a solid #3/#4 guy for this team. Not bad for a guy who probably didn't deserve a starting job based on his career numbers, as well as his spring training.
no kidding....just when he starts to get cold and you think his average will start to fall......BAM 4-5, right back up to .340
