Thursday, May 14, 2009

Anybody For Some Strikeout?

Top Blogs Introduction: As we learn the game of baseball, we know there exists an inexcusable. As little leaguers we are coaxed into thinking that even though we committed the unthinkable, we tried as hard we could and we await redemption. Rarely will a stranger tell us after the game "hey...great job missing the ball", or "wow...i wish I got to miss pitches like that." The problem is, major league baseball players are PROFESSIONALS and they are paid insane amounts of money to HIT the ball. Lately, for one ball club, notably the White Sox: the Sox batters are still awaiting redemption.

What's Happening: For White Sox bats, a whole lot of striking out. Through 33 games this season, the White Sox have struck out a whopping 228 times. That's just under eight times per game. Strikeouts typically have a domino affect that can plague a clubhouse from top to bottom. Men being left on base, runners stranded in scoring position, stroking the opposing pitcher's ego, and of course, losing games.

Who is hurting most: Jim Thome has to be at the top of this list. Thome has struck out 33 times in 88 plate appearances (.375) Jermaine Dye has had some issues of his own at the plate. In 113 appearance at the dishe, Dye has K'd 32 times (.282) As nice as Josh Field has looked at the plate at times, Fields has struck out 39 times in 115 plate appearances .(339)

Good Eye: In just 97 plate appearances, Pierzynski has struck out only 7 times (.072)

Overheard By Ozzie: "People on base, we strike out. Lead off an inning, we strike out. We have to cut that. That's a big part of the game. You put the ball in play, you have a better chance. We really strike out too much, even the guys who strike out. "

Now What? I could fill this answer with a slew of 'Hawk'isms. Hunkering down....etc. Truth is, The White Sox' bats are in a funk. Any fan who believes that replacing Greg Walker is the answer, has short term memory issues. Certainly somebody needs to be accountable, but this is on the players not the coaches.

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