Miguel Olivo's at-bat last night
It's not easy to get 11 hits and only score one run, but anyone who watched the M's last year knows it is certainly possible.
The current problem with run scoring is linked to the complete lack of power the past week. When Sexson and Beltre don't hit, the rest of the lineup is so power challenged runs are hard to come by. Much like last year, the team is stuck trying to hit 4 singles in a row to score a run.
For those hoping Boone might have a big year, that looks unlikely at this point.
So for the rest of the M's, the hitters are going to have to be smart if they are going to "create" runs. Last night Miguel Olivo provided a perfect example of how NOT to go up to the plate.
Situation- 6th inning
Paul Byrd pitches to Miguel Olivo with the bases loaded. The M's look like they have a chance to get back into the game.
First pitch- ball
Second pitch- ball
Third pitch- called strike, but should have been a ball. Not a strike, and everyone there knew it
At this point, Olivo can tell Byrd is at a critical point in the game. He is tiring, he's let guys get on base, he can't walk Olivo, top of the order is near etc...
Byrd is having a hard time throwing strikes. If he throws one more ball, the count is 3-1 and Miguel is going to get a great pitch to hit. Every hitter in the game knows what to do at this point.
You look for YOUR Pitch, something you can drive, and if you don't see it make the pitcher show you he can throw strikes.
But Olivo bails out Byrd by swinging at a ball barely out of the dirt and pops out. What should have been a 3-1 count turns into a momentum killer. There is no way Olivo is looking for a ball 3 inches over the plate at that time. Vlad is on the OTHER team, and Olivo needs to look for something he can actually hit.
It was a bad approach at the plate, and if Miguel Olivo doesn't improve he will never be more than a backup catcher with a good arm.
Let's hope the M's streak of playing well with no TV continues.
Go Moyer.
It's not easy to get 11 hits and only score one run, but anyone who watched the M's last year knows it is certainly possible.
The current problem with run scoring is linked to the complete lack of power the past week. When Sexson and Beltre don't hit, the rest of the lineup is so power challenged runs are hard to come by. Much like last year, the team is stuck trying to hit 4 singles in a row to score a run.
For those hoping Boone might have a big year, that looks unlikely at this point.
So for the rest of the M's, the hitters are going to have to be smart if they are going to "create" runs. Last night Miguel Olivo provided a perfect example of how NOT to go up to the plate.
Situation- 6th inning
Paul Byrd pitches to Miguel Olivo with the bases loaded. The M's look like they have a chance to get back into the game.
First pitch- ball
Second pitch- ball
Third pitch- called strike, but should have been a ball. Not a strike, and everyone there knew it
At this point, Olivo can tell Byrd is at a critical point in the game. He is tiring, he's let guys get on base, he can't walk Olivo, top of the order is near etc...
Byrd is having a hard time throwing strikes. If he throws one more ball, the count is 3-1 and Miguel is going to get a great pitch to hit. Every hitter in the game knows what to do at this point.
You look for YOUR Pitch, something you can drive, and if you don't see it make the pitcher show you he can throw strikes.
But Olivo bails out Byrd by swinging at a ball barely out of the dirt and pops out. What should have been a 3-1 count turns into a momentum killer. There is no way Olivo is looking for a ball 3 inches over the plate at that time. Vlad is on the OTHER team, and Olivo needs to look for something he can actually hit.
It was a bad approach at the plate, and if Miguel Olivo doesn't improve he will never be more than a backup catcher with a good arm.
Let's hope the M's streak of playing well with no TV continues.
Go Moyer.
posted by Tom at
11:13 AM
