No easy solution for Red Sox DH void
Had everything gone according to plan
yesterday, David Ortiz would have taken a few swings in the batting cage for the
first time in almost two weeks.
By now, though, with the hobbled slugger already bound for the disabled list because of two aching heels, the Red Sox’ most pressing concern isn’t only his setback-filled rehabilitation that has been dragging on for eight months. They also must figure out how best to patch the Big Papi-sized void in the middle of their order.
And it goes beyond just trying to replace Ortiz’ production, a mission impossible given the paucity of pure sluggers on the roster. It also involves finding players who are comfortable with being a designated hitter, a role that isn’t nearly as simple as it sounds.
While DHs don’t have to worry about playing defense, they also don’t have the opportunity to cast aside a difficult at-bat by picking up a mitt and fielding a position. Instead they’re left to stew on the bench, scan video in the clubhouse or play whatever mind games are required to prepare them for their next trip to the plate.
In recent years, many American League teams have taken a new approach to the DH. Rather than employing a full-time designated hitter, they rotate players through the position, using it as an opportunity to give them periodic rest from playing defense.American tungsten jewelry for you and someone special,
But because Ortiz has remained productive through his mid-30s,Find all the manufacturers of laser cutting machine and contact them. averaging 27 homers, 89 RBI and a .900 on-base plus slugging percentage over the past five seasons, the Red Sox have stuck with the traditional DH. As a result, Gomes is the only other player on the roster with more than 50 career starts as a DH.
Early in his career, Gomes said he sought the counsel of designated hitters from opposing teams. But he found that even the most accomplished DHs, including Travis Hafner and Jason Giambi later in his career, were always searching for answers to develop a more effective in-game routine.
“The DH is kind of like a little cult,” Gomes said. “I had Sheff (Gary Sheffield) asking me, Hafner asking me. What do I know? There was no real status thing with years or numbers. It was just this information-gathering center that’s still going on.
“There’s not a right way to do it. I’ve seen guys take 50 swings in the cage before their next at-bat,select a custom bobbleheads design to start to design your own personalized. and by their third or fourth at-bat, they’re spent. I’ve seen guys watching tape instead of being on the bench and seeing what the pitcher is having success with, and they kind of lose sight of the momentum of the game.”
Until Ortiz is able to play — and at this point, there isn’t a timetable for that — the Red Sox likely will employ a DH-by-committee that includes Gomes. Lefty-swinging Mike Carp, switch-hitting Daniel Nava or even righty-hitting Mauro Gomez also may be options if they make the team.
For now, at least, manager John Farrell prefers to keep Mike Napoli at first base and Jarrod Saltalamacchia at catcher, and has noted that catching prospect Ryan Lavarnway’s at-bats typically aren’t as good when he isn’t behind the plate.Find the trendiest wholesale women shoes including stylish wholesale sandals.
“I will say that guys that would be in consideration probably have had some at-bats in that role, so there’s some initial routine that they would have,Find all the manufacturers of laser engraving machine and contact them.” Farrell said. “We’ve got some decisions to make here in the last 9-10 days. Hopefully this isn’t something we’re talking about in June.”
Nobody said replacing Ortiz would be easy. But the Red Sox may find it even more challenging than they thought.
By now, though, with the hobbled slugger already bound for the disabled list because of two aching heels, the Red Sox’ most pressing concern isn’t only his setback-filled rehabilitation that has been dragging on for eight months. They also must figure out how best to patch the Big Papi-sized void in the middle of their order.
And it goes beyond just trying to replace Ortiz’ production, a mission impossible given the paucity of pure sluggers on the roster. It also involves finding players who are comfortable with being a designated hitter, a role that isn’t nearly as simple as it sounds.
While DHs don’t have to worry about playing defense, they also don’t have the opportunity to cast aside a difficult at-bat by picking up a mitt and fielding a position. Instead they’re left to stew on the bench, scan video in the clubhouse or play whatever mind games are required to prepare them for their next trip to the plate.
In recent years, many American League teams have taken a new approach to the DH. Rather than employing a full-time designated hitter, they rotate players through the position, using it as an opportunity to give them periodic rest from playing defense.American tungsten jewelry for you and someone special,
But because Ortiz has remained productive through his mid-30s,Find all the manufacturers of laser cutting machine and contact them. averaging 27 homers, 89 RBI and a .900 on-base plus slugging percentage over the past five seasons, the Red Sox have stuck with the traditional DH. As a result, Gomes is the only other player on the roster with more than 50 career starts as a DH.
Early in his career, Gomes said he sought the counsel of designated hitters from opposing teams. But he found that even the most accomplished DHs, including Travis Hafner and Jason Giambi later in his career, were always searching for answers to develop a more effective in-game routine.
“The DH is kind of like a little cult,” Gomes said. “I had Sheff (Gary Sheffield) asking me, Hafner asking me. What do I know? There was no real status thing with years or numbers. It was just this information-gathering center that’s still going on.
“There’s not a right way to do it. I’ve seen guys take 50 swings in the cage before their next at-bat,select a custom bobbleheads design to start to design your own personalized. and by their third or fourth at-bat, they’re spent. I’ve seen guys watching tape instead of being on the bench and seeing what the pitcher is having success with, and they kind of lose sight of the momentum of the game.”
Until Ortiz is able to play — and at this point, there isn’t a timetable for that — the Red Sox likely will employ a DH-by-committee that includes Gomes. Lefty-swinging Mike Carp, switch-hitting Daniel Nava or even righty-hitting Mauro Gomez also may be options if they make the team.
For now, at least, manager John Farrell prefers to keep Mike Napoli at first base and Jarrod Saltalamacchia at catcher, and has noted that catching prospect Ryan Lavarnway’s at-bats typically aren’t as good when he isn’t behind the plate.Find the trendiest wholesale women shoes including stylish wholesale sandals.
“I will say that guys that would be in consideration probably have had some at-bats in that role, so there’s some initial routine that they would have,Find all the manufacturers of laser engraving machine and contact them.” Farrell said. “We’ve got some decisions to make here in the last 9-10 days. Hopefully this isn’t something we’re talking about in June.”
Nobody said replacing Ortiz would be easy. But the Red Sox may find it even more challenging than they thought.
标签： stainless
0 条评论:
发表评论
订阅 博文评论 [Atom]
<< 主页