Four homers were hit in "pitcher friendly" Petco Park in San Diego, as the Phillies win their fourth consecutive game 5-3.
Rollins Hits: Jimmy Rollins has clearly struggled at the plate this season. Of the top 13-National League leaders in runs, five play for the Phillies. Rollins is not one of them! That is an interesting statistic considering he is a lead-off batter. Oh, and his low .200's B.A. is somewhat concerning.
So what's wrong? Obviously Rollins played near perfect during his MVP season, but his true success was how he played the game. He is a lead-off batter with speed - he needs to get on base and score runs. This was something he did then, but is not doing now.
So, his average says he's not hitting. As for walks, he has 12 - I'm not sure exactly where this ranks him, as the stats on MLB.com only go to #92 - and he's not on it. So if he's not hitting, and he's not walking, what is he doing? Exactly what a lead-off guy should not do - fly out.
He has 45-fly outs compared to 31-ground outs. Is he trying to hit home runs? I hope not, because he has only managed two so far.
- Rollins went 2-5, along with a run Monday night in San Diego.
- He doubled to start the game, and singled in the 3rd - eventually driven in by Utley.
- In the 5th inning, Rollins came up with 2-out and the bases loaded. Sure enough - fly ball to center field. I'm happy he was hitting, but I was pulling my hair out. Jimmy...where are you trying to put the ball? You will not hit home runs at Petco Field!
Well, that's my take. I'm glad to see Rollins starting to hit, and I do think he will come around. It just irks me when I see him not playing to potential - and not because I think he's slumping - but because I think he's not taking the right approach (or cares to).
Lidge Saves Again: After some rough outings, Lidge left a lot of people concerned. It was great to see him pick up his fourth consecutive save.
Phils Catch a Break: Scott Eyre walked Adrian Gonzalez to lead the ninth. He attempted to steal second on a pitch in the dirt that got away from Ruiz. Ruiz threw to second - Gonzalez beat the throw - but Rollins pushed Gonzalez's leg off the bag, and he was called out. The Padres were upset with the call, as they should be. Rollins did push him off the base - way to go Jimmy! Forget what I said up top.
Homers at Petco: They say you can't hit home runs at Petco, and they may be right...except for tonight. Gonzalez hit his 6th home run in his home park for his 21st of the season. That should say it all! Oddly enough, both teams saw back-to-back home runs. Utley and Howard for the Phils, and Gonzalez and Hairston for the Padres.
Original Story:
http://myteamrivals.typepad.com/billy...
