Why is this Team Hitting So Poorly?

Posted in Uncategorized by Flavor on July 6, 2011

With nearly 3000 team at bats in the books, it’s pretty hard to argue that we have some “slow starters” on the team right now. This is who they are this year. A team that is hitting .242 collectively, with a .671 OPS. We are missing a few pieces from last year (Uribe, Posey and Sanchez), but is this a result of the subtraction of those guys or something else?

I had an “ah ha” moment during the game last night when the camera panned to Burrell and Ross chewing seeds on the bench. I know they are hurt but they looked quite content–like they could do that the rest of the year. And when you think about it, they already have something that they didn’t have last year—a World Series ring. That was a magical run they went on last year. It was partially fueled by something most of them didn’t have–a ring.

Now, I’m not saying any of them are dogging it or mailing in their at bats. But they simply can’t be fueled by the same fire they had last year. I think it would be normal to expect a decline in motivation this year. Or maybe I’m talking about passion. I don’t know.

What I do know is that we are past half way through the season and no one (except Pablo) is stepping up. I have a new appreciation for Miggy, mostly because I feel like he’s the only one busting his ass on every play. He’s also the only one without a ring. Obviously, his stats aren’t reflective of the effort he’s putting in on the field. But he’s driven by the same desire that the rest of the guys were driven by last year. If he could somehow share that with the rest of the guys we might be on to something. But he can’t, they already used it last year…….

The bottom line is that we didn’t have any margin for error last year. It took every single guy performing at their peak in critical moments to make 2010 happen. Any drop off, and we lose that edge. And that’s what I think is lacking this season. Short of a trade or 4, I don’t see this offense doing enough to get back to the playoffs this year…….

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Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 9:28 pm

Rehab update: Font 0 fer 4; Belt 2 fer 4 w/ a homer. Conor G. also swinging a hot bat for the Grizz.

Hey, nice hit by uncle Jesse. We go something going here…C’mon, Pablo…

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Tie ballgame!
Macdog said, on July 6, 2011 at 9:29 pm

That is one hot Panda!
xootsuit said, on July 6, 2011 at 9:29 pm

So your best hitter is up, and . . . .? THIS GAME IS TIED!!!1

Quit whining.
That's *mr* mrbill to you! said, on July 6, 2011 at 9:30 pm

heh… Jon Miller went all out on the radio call for Panda’s dbl. Nearly thought we won the WS again.
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 9:33 pm

That Pablo hit was no higher than 6″ off the ground. Right in his wheelhouse…
mailorderwife said, on July 6, 2011 at 9:33 pm

That’s our Panda!!! But run when the ball is hit, son. Run!
big flavor said, on July 6, 2011 at 9:37 pm

watching Pablo role into 2nd there, with his hand clapping celebration–it reminded me of a game last year, I can’t remember the specific game. It might have been an Atlanta playoff game but maybe not–anyway, he hit a double that put them ahead or tied the game, and he cruised into 2nd base and was clapping so hard I thought he was going to break his hands. The crowd went wild behind him. That’s what tonight felt like.
Bozo said, on July 6, 2011 at 9:41 pm

PANDA
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 9:41 pm

Sandoval just saved Wilson’s ass from giving up the lead in a NON-save situation.
- twinfan1 said, on July 6, 2011 at 9:54 pm
  
  Really stupid, pounding that point. Closer, home, 9th innning, tie: it’s the correct move.
  - Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:02 pm
    
    I know it’s the fucking correct move you, boob. That’s not my point. My point has always been and shall remain — closer’s have HIGHER ERAs in NON-save situations than save situations. It’s another FACT. Like Farmer John doesn’t ever get the W at home. “Just the facts, mam. Just the facts…”
Rough Trade said, on July 6, 2011 at 9:41 pm

Wow, disaster averted! This one could go awhile with dueling pens.
willieD said, on July 6, 2011 at 9:42 pm

I love that pitch, the fucking high hard one at 98. Unhittable.
Let’s see what the rest of black’s pen has got.
Bozo said, on July 6, 2011 at 9:43 pm

Pablo wants to win this thing now.
Macdog said, on July 6, 2011 at 9:55 pm

Siddown Ratso.
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:15 pm

Very nice quick and solid inning of relief from Romo. Time for somebody to be a hero.
Did I hear that Superman, I mean Pablo is leading off? Dun-da-dun!
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:20 pm

Spence was dealing some Kryptonite. On to the 12th…
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:24 pm

I hope our friend of the Flap, Ted is still at the yard enjoying tonight’s game. IIRC, the last game he attended resulted in extras as well. Comes as no surprise. I guy like that who enjoys all those Creature Feature movies has to like all the TORTURE!
willieD said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:28 pm

krukow, stop making excuses for burriss. the ball hit him in the fucking hands and he bobbled it. a fly ball hit right at you in the OF is way different.
I used to play b-ball with a big post guy who used to drop passes because he was trying to shoot before he had it. I used to f with him, and say, “I hit you in the hands with it…want me to aim somewhere else?”
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:32 pm

Some tough and interesting decisions for Bud Black here…pitching to Ross?
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:35 pm

Fucking Clown. Horrible, I mean horrible AB from Ross. Runner at 3rd < 2-outs, we blow. C'mon, Bat…
unca chuck said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:35 pm

Fuck Ross. Can’t say I didn;t see that coming.
- Bozo said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:40 pm
  
  Yup, he’s a clown wannabe.
dirtnrocksnreno said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:37 pm

Uuuugh…
unca chuck said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:37 pm

Wow. That’s horrible,
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:39 pm

Jesus H. Christ. Seriously, go look up our numbers for situational hitting w/ a runner a 3rd and < 2-outs. On second thought, don't. It'll make you sick. Is Ross saving himself for the NLDS and NLCS again for this year? Fucker…
twinfan1 said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:39 pm

Bad AB but Ross leads the team in OBP and is second in OPS.
- Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:43 pm
  
  On this team that means your the biggest turd in the toilet bowel. BIG deal…
  - unca chuck said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:48 pm
    
    Toilet bowel?
  - twinfan1 said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:06 pm
    
    With good numbers.
unca chuck said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:47 pm

This one may never end . . .’

Where’s Bud Selig when you need him?
unca chuck said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:49 pm

Shit, Kruk’s drunk again…………..
unca chuck said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:50 pm

Waiting fior nice balance.
dirtnrocksnreno said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:50 pm

Great AB from Crawford.
Rough Trade said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:51 pm

Do like the way Crawford battles.
dirtnrocksnreno said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:54 pm

Not sure what Huff is wondering about. Sweet Jesus!
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:54 pm

WTF was Huff Daddy looking for? Apparently not the fb right down Lombard…
unca chuck said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:55 pm

Good God. Huff needs his eyes checked, He can;t recognize shit
dirtnrocksnreno said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:56 pm

Queue the circus music.
willieD said, on July 6, 2011 at 10:58 pm

jesus. this guy, whom I’ve never even heard of, looks better than adams, gregersen and bell.
dirtnrocksnreno said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:03 pm

Pen has been awesome. The bats have got to do something here.

Nate The Great can wrap this puppy up.
- dirtnrocksnreno said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:16 pm
  
  I know you guys don’t read my posts but I called that shit.
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:05 pm

Giants pen has retired 17 consecutive Friars. How bout a little appreciation with a run?
EdGdsnInExile said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:05 pm

Coupla thoughts on manager/coaching tonight. MadBum let himself get flustered starting in the 1st, but he was not getting calls. I thought to myself ‘Why doesn’t Boche go out and just reem the plate ump and get tossed?’ Sometimes you do that to show you’ve your team’s back–and keep your team’s head in the game. I also don’t understand pulling Tejada; these late innings are the best place for the smarts of vets. Not to mention he’s hitting well.

Again, as we continue playing like this, I think there’s a greater likelihood of a big deal or somewhat blowing up the team.
- twinfan1 said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:21 pm
  
  Playing like what? Best in the West?And there’s not a darn thing to be bitching about with Bochy.
  - EdGdsnInExile said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:31 pm
    
    By ‘playing like this’, I meant the lack of production out of key people. I should be more clear about ‘blowing up the team’; I don’t mean breaking it up, but trading people you don’t think would be traded. You know I like Boche, Twin; just think getting tossed could’ve establish a tone.
EdGdsnInExile said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:07 pm

P.S. Anyone see Stanton’s game-winner for the Fish tonight? Thing was still rising when it clanged off the upper deck. Good God.
Macdog said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:07 pm

Nate!!!!
dirtnrocksnreno said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:08 pm

The pride of Danville strikes again.

Damn right!
Rough Trade said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:09 pm

The stuff cults are made of.
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:09 pm

Neanderthal’s rule!
- dirtnrocksnreno said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:12 pm
  
  Baaahhh. That’s funny.
zumie said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:11 pm

The Cult!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:14 pm

The Giants have now gone 40 consecutive games at home without scoring at least 7 runs.
That stat was brought to you buy Doomin’ Denny’s better half, Debbie Downer. 😀
- twinfan1 said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:25 pm
  
  Fucking bummer game tonight, eh?
  Really, it’s a pathetic schtick when you’re pulling the doomer shit after a great game
  - Del Mar Dennis said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:45 pm
    
    Relax. Enjoy the victory. I know I sure did. I’ll be sure and let you know after we don’t score at least 7 runs or more tomorrow night that the streak is now at 41 consecutive games. Good night.
twinfan1 said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:19 pm

Clutch hit is the hit to get the tie. But 8 IP 2 hits no runs 13 K. The pen gets the nod.
But go Grok. If he’s found himself at 27, it’s all good
Defense by Torres and Panda was also huge..
- dirtnrocksnreno said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:27 pm
  
  Hear the post game question about putting Schierholtz in th 4 hole? Closest I’ve seen Bochy come to laughing.
  
  Sandoval was big but the walk off bomb was bigger. Agree though that Pen was biggest of all.
  - twinfan1 said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:32 pm
    
    The hit to get the tie is always bigger.If Nate makes out, they play on.
willieD said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:24 pm

yeah, shoe’s on the other foot tonite. Pen and the offense bail out the starter, and giants gain on every other team in the division.
Pads pitching is no slouch, and this team gives SF more trouble than all the big stick teams like STL, Philly, and texas did last year. Pitching and clutch D, timely hits.
- EdGdsnInExile said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:33 pm
  
  They’re a scrappy bunch. Don’t understand why they don’t play Denorfia more; seems like he chews on us pretty good. I checked and he hits lefties and righties, so it’s not a platoon thing…
twinfan1 said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:30 pm

What’s great about Panda is that there is no pitcher who really gets him out, he hits or gets hinself out.There may not be a guy in baseball who squares up that pitch from Adams.
- EdGdsnInExile said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:35 pm
  
  Good insight, Twin. That’s the mark of a real special player, basically competing against themselves.
dirtnrocksnreno said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:35 pm

Twin, they may play on but Schierholtz won the game with that bomb so i think its bigger. We’ll just disagree then
- twinfan1 said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:53 pm
  
  There ain’t no game to win unless Panda comes through. And his defensive play saved the game in the ninth.Nate had his greatest game as a pro, I can see him getting POTG to acknowledge that . But it’s really Panda, especially considering who he beat.
EdGdsnInExile said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:37 pm

Good night from the East Coast, gang. These games are draining!
twinfan1 said, on July 6, 2011 at 11:59 pm

Many here only grudgingly acknowledge Panda’s value.I’d guess it’s because so much time was spent disparaging him last year.Many claimed he was just a fluke in 2009. He’s now clearly become the MVP. And the reports of Torres’ demise also appear premature.
xootsuit said, on July 7, 2011 at 12:03 am

Pablo’s still not 100%. He pretty much admitted as much when he got to 2B and O.Hudson asked him about his right hand. But he’s our best at 80%, and he’s getting better every day. His D’s looking fine, too.

Now, Nate. Nate’s a decent guy. His post game interview was fucking disarmingly modest. TWO HOMERS! Self effacing Nate points to Pablo’s key hit. And — he’s right. Not such a cro-magnon after all.

I feel fine.

Good night, doomers. Sorry you had to win. 😉
twinfan1 said, on July 7, 2011 at 12:04 am

Any knowledgeable fan knows it’s the hit the ties that is the most clutch. Maz won it in ’60 but Hal Smith had the bigger hit with the 3 run HR.Fisk gets the TV time but Carbo was the true hero.
- dirtnrocksnreno said, on July 7, 2011 at 7:19 am
  
  Whatever twin. Everyone can have their opinion. Just because it is not aligning with yours doesn’t make then less knowledgeable.
zumie said, on July 7, 2011 at 12:09 am

It’s very clear that Pablo is the best hitter on the team. He can carry the Giants to the division title with a little help from the other hitters.
twinfan1 said, on July 7, 2011 at 12:11 am

And he’s the best even if Posey were playing. Not close.
- zumie said, on July 7, 2011 at 12:17 am
  
  Pablo lost some weight in the off-season, and put his career back on course. If he hadn’t been injured this season, he would have made the All-Star team.
  —–
  The Giants need to solve the catcher issue. That position is a gaping hole.
zumie said, on July 7, 2011 at 12:34 am

Braves go for the sweep against the Rockies at 10:05 in the morning tomorrow. The D-Backs start a series against St. Louis. Lots of interesting baseball before we even get to the Giants game tomorrow night.
- zumie said, on July 7, 2011 at 12:35 am
  
  Er…later today, I should say.
TedSpe said, on July 7, 2011 at 12:47 am

Joyous fucking win. And the best part about being at the park itself is MailOrderBride has great seats (although there’s a total fucking tool around 4 rows down with 2 kids. How proud he must be to be teaching his children how to be an asshole. I told him he was an asshole twice to his face), after the 9th, doomers began leaving so we went down a couple tiers, after the 11th the other doomers started to leave and went down a few other levels and ended up in the 10th row right by 3rd base and saw nate’s walk off from about 100 yards away.
Thanks MailOrderBride!!!!
- zumie said, on July 7, 2011 at 12:51 am
  
  Cool! We were confident you stayed until the end. You didn’t let us down!
- zumie said, on July 7, 2011 at 12:54 am
  
  Did you mean 100 FEET away?
- zumie said, on July 7, 2011 at 12:55 am
  
  I guess it depends on whether you meant distance to the batter’s box or distance to the rightfield wall, I guess.
- TedSpe said, on July 7, 2011 at 1:04 am
  
  I have no perspective of distance, zumie. Like i said, I was about ten rows behind 3rd base. Stuck around singing with Tony Bennett, quite stylishly I might add (folks were digging my Axl Rose as well earlier), and went to a bar to have a malted scotch with a beer chaser.
  Hell yeah I stuck around till the end.
  Glorious win.
TedSpe said, on July 7, 2011 at 1:15 am

Even got a laugh from the crowd on the first move by ripping off an ANIMAL HOUSE joke. I screamed “The Giants never quit!!! Did America quit when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor??!! Hell NO!!!”
Great evening. If I’m groggy at work tomorrow, at least my manager knew I was going to the game and he’s…well, a bandwagon fan but he’ll let it go.
I’m still jacked so it’s going to be hard to go to sleep. But I have to give it a shot.
Goodnight, gentlemen (question mark)
TedSpe said, on July 7, 2011 at 1:20 am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwQbPgouUYo