SB Nation User Blog: giantsrainman

The Differences I See In Freddie and Bengie 2009 Vs Their Careers

giantsrainman — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 01:09:03 -0000

We have already had plenty of discussion on the struggles of these two players thus far in 2009. But these discussions have (at least on my behalf) been focused on the contributions (or lack there of) they have provided to the 2009 Giants thus far. This time I want to look at it from the perspective of discussing the causes of both of their declines. In this fanpost I am not interested in discussing who's decline is worse or which decline has hurt the Giants more. I just want to discuss the causes and perhaps what can be done to address these causes.

First let's take a look at Bengie Molina. For this I am going to look at just Bengie's years as a Giant (likewise by the way for Lewis when his turn comes up). I am going to compare Bengie's K/PA, BB+HBP/PA, HR/PA, and BABIP thus far in 2009 with his combined average for these in 2007 and 2008.

07/08 Bengie was at .084 K/PA, .041 BB+HBP/PA, .032 HR/PA, and .286 BABIP

2009 Bengie is thus far at .124 K/PA, .022 BB+HBP/PA, .040 HR/PA, and .258 BABIP

If Bengie's HR/PA rate was not up I would give consideration to an arguement that Bengie's increased Ks, reduced BBs, and reduced BABIP is a sign that his skill level has begun to decline. But since his HR/PA is up and my eyes watching the game do not see a decline I am more inclined to believe that this is just normal varience and Bengie should return to producing at the talent level he showed in 2007 and 2008 without any changes. I do wish Bengie was more patient in his approach as I think this would indeed lead to more walks and better pitches to hit but alas I think Bengie is one old dog this new trick can not be taught to. What say the rest of the McCoven?

Now let's take a look and Fred Lewis using the same stats.

06-08 Freddie was at .223 K/PA, .103 BB+HBP/PA, .017 HR/PA, and .356 BABIP

2009 Freddie is thus far at .254 K/PA, .122 BB+HBP/PA, .015 HR/PA, and .344 BABIP

To me these stats too look like normal varience and not evidence of any change in skill level. However, my eyes watching the game tell me another story. I see pitchers pounding the outside corner on Freddie with fastballs and Freddie only being able to at best take the balls and foul off the strikes but much too often taking strikes and swinging and missing at balls. My eyes tell me that Freddie has developed a hitch in his swing and is consistently late on these pitches. Freddie pulls back his hands before he strides forward and thus is late in planting his front foot and therefore late in beginning his swing. This seems to me to be correctable but for whatever reason it is not being corrected. I think Freddie is only going to get worse until he corrects this. What say the rest of the McCoven?

Glenn Dickey Gets It

giantsrainman — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:53:03 -0000

Glenn Dickey Gets It

When will the rest of the Bay Area Media wake up and see the truth so clearly right in front of their thus far blind eyes?

Flem Asked "With Wilson off tonight who is going to close?" Bochy Answered "Either Affledt,...

giantsrainman — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:13:50 -0000

Flem Asked "With Wilson off tonight who is going to close?"

Bochy Answered "Either Affledt, Howry, or both depending upon matchups. I have even thought about putting the 1st one I use at 1B so that I can pitch him again".

From today's Radio Pregame Interview With Bruce Bochy.

If Bochy ever actually does this you Bochy hatters will have a new member in the Rainman.

Another Small Move - Giants Release Yabu

giantsrainman — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 02:24:48 -0000

Another Small Move - Giants Release Yabu

Is Brian Sabean Shopping Rich Aurilia?

giantsrainman — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:22:11 -0000

Is Brian Sabean Shopping Rich Aurilia?

I am thinking Brian might be the mystery GM and Richie might be the mystery 3B. Could Sabean be looking for a home for Richie to open up a spot for Jesus Guzman on the opening day roster?

Who Do You Root For?

giantsrainman — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:32:01 -0000

Who do you root for in today's WBC Game between the US and Puerto Rico? Jonathan Sanchez will be the starter for Puerto Rico. Personally I am rooting for "Dirty" and his relievers to shutout and eliminate the US.

Why do polls require 75 words? Why do polls require 75 words? Why do polls require 75 words? Why do polls require 75 words? Why do polls require 75 words? Why do polls require 75 words? Why do polls require 75 words? Why do polls require 75 words?

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