Cruz needs to find a niche and live it. Like Joey Votto, who was elite at OBP, but the Reds didn't hit him as the leadoff hitter. The Reds need to tell Cruz what they want him to be.
This conversation makes me think of Ichiro. He once said that he could have hit more home runs if he wanted to (just like Ty Cobb). But his job was to get on base and lengthen an inning. I think that's partially the problem that EDLC is facing. EDLC has leadoff hitter characteristics, amazing speed that can create runs -- without other hittersmaking contact. That is a very rare trait, something Rickey possessed. But his exit velocity and raw power showcase as a 3/4/5 hitter. The Reds thought they had a leadoff hitter in TJ Friedl who got hurt early in the season. They put Jonathan India back into leadoff, and he had a great first half but then tanked the second half. With no one getting on base in front of EDLC, it reduced his power profile (only 76 RBI!). As a leadoff hitter profile, he scored more than 100 runs.
I was disappointed every time I read the box score and I saw Cruz hit a HR but only had 1 RBI. The rest of the team failed to get on base in front of Elly.
Sent from my SM-S926U using Tapatalk
__________________
Barry Larkin, Joey Votto, Tris Speaker, 1930-45 Cincinnati Reds, T206 Cincinnati
Successful deals with: Banksfan14, Brianp-beme, Bumpus Jones, Dacubfan (x5), Dstrawberryfan39, Ed_Hutchinson, Fballguy, fusorcruiser (x2), GoCalBears, Gorditadog, Luke, MikeKam, Moosedog, Nineunder71, Powdered H20, PSU, Ronniehatesjazz, Roarfrom34, Sebie43, Seven, and Wondo
|
10-24-2024, 10:32 PM
Similar Threads
Hybrid Mode
