I am a fan of what JD Drew does–when he is on the field. We all know about the great OBP’s, the high Slugging %’s, and the adequate or better defense he provides or has provided.
…But with a man on third in the 8th, a three run lead, and an opportunity to add on a run, it would be nice if he could swing the bat.
1st pitch: Outside, ball 1.
2nd pitch: Breaking ball for a strike
Both of those pitches were not swung at for a reason. One was out of the strike zone, the other was a breaking ball–which was a pitch Drew would prefer not to swing at.
3rd pitch: Fastball on the outer half of the plate for a strike. This was it, Drew. A fastball, and a chance to tack on a run.
Instead, Drew takes it, and puts himself into a count that isn’t exactly better for him, to say the least.
If Drew had swung and missed, then fine. If he lined out, popped out, whatever, then fine. But instead he took it.
Pitch 4: Breaking ball, out of the strike zone, check-swing, strike three.
I am not upset because Drew struck out, it happens to him, it happens to everyone.
But it would have been a good move to at least try and hit that fastball that Wood gave you.
…Maybe it is irrelevant, maybe the game’s outcome will be what it looks like it will be anyway.
But that actually kind of frustrated me tonight.