Rays Back Up By 3 Games Over Red Sox
THE GOOD: Carlos Pena. Since the All-Star break, Pena has 4 home runs in 46 at bats or 1 every 11.5 at bats, which is closer to his '07 rate of 10.7 at bats per home run. Prior to the break he was only hitting home runs once every 20 at bats...Edwin Jackson. In his last 7 starts, Jackson is 3-1 with a 3.67 ERA. He is still not striking anybody out, but he only has 14 walks over that span and only once has he walked more than 2 batters in this stretch.
THE BAD: BJ Upton. We have been hesitant to bash Upton and his lackadaisical play at times. We are of the belief that it is easy for a very athletic person to look like they are giving less than 100% just as it always seems like people that are not very gifted athletically are giving their all because their movements are less "natural" and look more labored. Well, Upton gave the naysayers some ammunition yesterday almost turning a routine flyball into a double or triple. In the bottom of the 3rd, Upton nonchalantly went straight back on a flyball. As he drifted to the wall, Upton acted as if this was a very routine play. At the very last moment, Upton had to stretch and reach for the ball as it almost went over his head. He barely avoided giving the batter at least 2 bases.
THE TELLING: The Red Sox lost again last night and for the second time since the All-Star break, they have been swept by the Angels.
DEVIL RAYS WEBTOPIA...
- We will be back in a little while with all the trade buzz.
- Anybody want EvanLongoria.com? Bidding starts at $25,000. [Deadspin]
- Bugs and Cranks continues their march towards the Rays franchise-record 71st win, by looking at every 62nd win in the first 10 seasons. [Bugs and Cranks]
posted by The Professor at 9:55 AM
1 Comments:
I did not see the play, so I cannot comment with any assurance. But I can ask questions.
Is it possible Upton misjudged the ball? Is it possible that he loped back because he "knew" he would get there in plenty of time to make a simple catch and then discovered the ball was carrying further than he expected?
Was the dome open? If so, might a wind have suddenly carried the ball further than Upton expected?
As I said, I can only ask. But I am sure we have all seen many cases in which an outfielder goes back easily on a ball only to find it carrying more than expected and having to leap or lunge at the last moment. It does not suggest lack of effort but a simple physical mistake or something else unexpected.
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