Wow. Never thought I'd see the day where I would actually defend the guy, but here goes.
Bellhorn is a freak. He really is. Wasn't he like the best offensive 2nd baseman last year in a lot of categories? He's certainly good for 15 HRs a year if he plays full time.
I have him figured out. The guy, like almost all MLB hitters, can hit a fastball over the plate. Anything, including fastballs, off the plate he takes. It really is uncanny how well he does this. The problem is when a pitcher can throw something other than a fastball for a strike. He can't hit anything but a fastball over the plate. Period. If you can throw a slider over, he's going to K or pop up.
He's not a gold glove 2nd baseman, but he can turn the DP and throw accurately to 1b. Actually, I can't remember the last bad throw he's made (and that's with Millar at first). There is no way that Todd Walker is a better second baseman defensively.
The strike outs kill, but you also know he's going to get on base once or twice a game and from the number 9 slot, that's damn good. HE SHOULD NEVER LEAD OFF. EVER.
He's quiet, makes next to peanuts and is a team player.
If he could bat .270 and K less, I'd actually be quite happy with him.
The more significant problems with this team include:
Not having Schilling. His return, if he's close to being as effective as last year, will stablize the entire rotation. The starters will all improve.
The bullpen will not be overused (except in Wells starts) and will be more effective too.
Wells. Fatboy is no better than a #5. I was completely wrong in assessing him over the winter. The guy sucks monkey nutz and should be released if Schilling comes back healthy. The fat f***. I hope he chokes on a donut, the ex-Yankee bastard.
Manny. He is really starting to worry me. I'm sure he'll come around, but maybe this is life without steriods. :dunno: Or is he "unhappy" again?
Renteria. He has got to make the adjustment to the AL. I'll give him time, but he just doesn't look like a 10 million dollar player.
Question: You have two outs in the 9th, bases loaded, tying run on 3rd. Who would you rather see at the plate? Renteria or Bellhorn?