Three Strikes: Padres, Porcello and perfection
Article By smcneal.tsn on 12th May, 2010
Stan McNeal analyzes three hot topics in Major League Baseball:
Strike 1: Eckstein and the Padres refuse to fade
David Eckstein still has a baby face but at 35 on a Padres club full of 20-somethings, he has become the old guy in the lineup. "Luckily, we have Matt Stairs, too," says Eckstein of the 42-year-old pinch hitter.
David Eckstein provides a veteran presence on the young Padres. Eckstein continues to prove wrong all those who, as long ago as 2002, said he didn't have enough game to play every day. Two World Series rings and a World Series MVP award later, Eckstein has moved from shortstop to second base but still is starting and remains as pesky as ever at the plate (two strikeouts in his first 121 plate appearances this season). He also has embraced his role as veteran leader.
"These guys make that enjoyable," Eckstein says. "I don't have to remind someone to run hard when they hit a popup. It's more like make sure you keep up that meanness on the field. I have guys on other teams come up to me and say, 'You guys play the game the right way.' "
Pegged for last in the NL West, the Padres have pitched and scratched their way to first place and, at 20-12, are off to their best start since they went to the World Series in 1998. Jon Garland has boosted a rotation that hasn't completed a game but has a 2.78 ERA, though the real strength of the staff has been the NL's best bullpen (2.58 ERA).
On offense, only Adrian Gonzalez figures to hit 20 homers. Yet for a small-ball team, the Padres don't hit much for average (.243) and strike out too much (second only to the Diamondbacks in the NL). So far, though, their lack of production hasn't caught up to them.
"We're going to put pressure on the defense other than hitting doubles and home runs," Eckstein says. "That's the biggest difference with this club."
The Padres lead the majo...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
Strike 1: Eckstein and the Padres refuse to fade
David Eckstein still has a baby face but at 35 on a Padres club full of 20-somethings, he has become the old guy in the lineup. "Luckily, we have Matt Stairs, too," says Eckstein of the 42-year-old pinch hitter.
David Eckstein provides a veteran presence on the young Padres. Eckstein continues to prove wrong all those who, as long ago as 2002, said he didn't have enough game to play every day. Two World Series rings and a World Series MVP award later, Eckstein has moved from shortstop to second base but still is starting and remains as pesky as ever at the plate (two strikeouts in his first 121 plate appearances this season). He also has embraced his role as veteran leader.
"These guys make that enjoyable," Eckstein says. "I don't have to remind someone to run hard when they hit a popup. It's more like make sure you keep up that meanness on the field. I have guys on other teams come up to me and say, 'You guys play the game the right way.' "
Pegged for last in the NL West, the Padres have pitched and scratched their way to first place and, at 20-12, are off to their best start since they went to the World Series in 1998. Jon Garland has boosted a rotation that hasn't completed a game but has a 2.78 ERA, though the real strength of the staff has been the NL's best bullpen (2.58 ERA).
On offense, only Adrian Gonzalez figures to hit 20 homers. Yet for a small-ball team, the Padres don't hit much for average (.243) and strike out too much (second only to the Diamondbacks in the NL). So far, though, their lack of production hasn't caught up to them.
"We're going to put pressure on the defense other than hitting doubles and home runs," Eckstein says. "That's the biggest difference with this club."
The Padres lead the majo...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
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