Worst Cleanup Hitter Ever? Pretty Bad Team, Too.
The first full day of Major League baseball is a time for rejoicing -- and rampant, completely unwarranted speculation on what a single game says about a team's prospects that season.
In keeping with this age-old tradition, we are wasting no time in expressing our bafflement with just how bad the San Francisco Giants have the opportunity to be this season.
Sure, I, like so many other fans, had heard that without the services of Barry Bonds the Giants would likely be worse than last year's 71-91 fifth place NL West finish. But one fact from yesterday's opener drove it home for this fan: Bengie Molina hits clean up for this team. I almost had to repeat it to myself. Bengie freaking Molina is the Giants cleanup hitter.
Now, no offense to Bengie or any of his 17 MLB-catching brothers, but B-Mol's career has been more defined by his Gold Glove than a mighty bat. Sure, a lifetime .275 batting average is nothing to sneeze at, but the power numbers don't exactly fall in line with a feared #4 hitter on an opening day Major League Roster.
Well, at least the Giants can look on the bright side. Their $126M man on the hill
gave up eight hits and four runs in five innings to up his career opening day record to 0-4 with an ERA over nine runs/game. Now if that doesn't say big-time pressure pitcher, I don't know what does.
So, OK, there has to be a bright spot. How 'bout the bullpen?! I bet the Giants have a lights-out closer. Now, let me check the roster here...wait a second. Is it bad when a somewhat serious baseball fan looks at a list of pitchers on an MLB roster and can honestly say they have no f-in idea who the closer is? This is a rhetorical question.
Enough SF Giants-bashing for today. We're sure there will be ample opportunity down the line. And, by the way, if you were wondering the Giants closer is Brian Wilson. But of course...
Labels:
Barry Bonds,
Barry Zito,
Bengie Molina,
San Francisco Giants
9 comments:
The Beach Boy?
Ed Kranepool batted cleanup for the Mets in the 1960s. He was no Bengie Molina
do you do any research before you post? Usually like your stuff, but come on.
I grew up watching this team:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CAL/1992.shtml
Hubie Brooks and Von Hayes: now that will strike fear into the opposing teams pitcher
Hugh, i'm missing your argument apparently.
a. this was somewhat hyperbole to being with...
b. yes, i spend about half-hour "researching" my stuff. i post before and after work with random thoughts that are usually off the top of my head.
C. are you trying to say von hayes was a worse #4? in comparison, von hayes (given his era, etc) is a BEAST compared to Bengie Molina. Von Hayes was one of the best 10 players in the League in 89, hit more than 20 homers twice (Molina's top power totals are 19 and 81 ribbies in the juiced ball/player era). in 92 in cali, hayes was at the end of his career- literally, his last season in the bigs. maybe i'm missing something?
don't let randy winn off the hook hitting in the 3 hole!
nice post! (except i like the giants and realize they might lose 160 games).
Remember in 2002 when Molina was one of the worst hitters in baseball on the Angels. He was so bad back then, an automatic out. It seems Bengie's come a long way.
thanks, BP. big fan of your stuff and have you in the reader. it will be "interesting" to see how the Giants wind up the year. perhaps a Barry Zito worst signing ever post to come? Not that i wasn't begging the Mets to sign him as well. ahhhh, to be fans...
How about the 2008 Orioles? Pick your poison between Kevin Millar, Aubrey Huff and Nick Markakis.
ok, so are we aiming at the '62 Mets or what???...I'm expecting somewhere between 35 and 42 games in the win column, I'd like to say wait till next year but I don't think it will be better until we get rid of Ray Sadeki uh no wait Barry Zito.... at least Ray had two Willies!!!
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