Game Notes
Final in 9
Seattle Mariners: 2
Toronto Blue Jays: 10
Munenori Kawasaki, through the Looking Glass
I missed today's game; this scorecard was produced after the game from the MLB, 'Gameday', Play-by-Play page (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_05_seamlb_tormlb_1&mode=wrap#gid=2013_05_05_seamlb_tormlb_1&mode=plays).
As I was filling in the line-ups I said to myself, 'Holy cow what is Gibbons doing now - batting Bonifacio 8th? Doesn't he read my blogs? Doesn't he understand that Bonifacio is a top-of-the-order kind of player?'
But was I wrong, this line-up - with the turn-the-line-up-over 8 and 9 hitters (Bonifacio and Kawasaki) - really worked against Seattle pitcher Joe Saunders today (although with the exception of St Louis Cardinals' manager, Tony La Russa - where pitchers hit eighth - I've never seen this done before).
Admittedly, Bonifacio went 0 for 4 in the 8 spot - but his presence down there seemed to bring out the best in Kawasaki - who had a great game at the bottom of the order.
In 4 plate appearances Kawasaki sacrificed, which drove a run in; walked; then singled, driving in another run, and in turning the line-up over, allowed Encarnacion to plate Kawasaki himself; singled again to turn over the line-up again, which resulted in another run scored later that inning. Over-all Kawasaki went 2 for 2, 2 RBI, and a run scored.
I still believe that batting Cabrera 3, Bautista 4, and Encarnacion 5 is the better order - but if you want to start with the 8 hitter as your - of several lead off batter - well then, OK. There is after all - once through the batting order (through the looking glass, if you wish) - no 1 or 9 hitter, but simply a cycle of hitters.
Put 'em anywhere you wish Mr. Gibbons, as long as there's more guys who are capable of getting on in front of the nuclear-ball aided dynamic duo.
mh
No comments:
Post a Comment