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Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Houston Chronicle: Garner worried about Berkman’s play

Astros manager Phil Garner admitted Monday he’s concerned about the lack of production from first baseman Lance Berkman, who came into the game hitting .272 with five homers and 23 RBIs.

Berkman has just six extra-base hits, including one double, but is among the league leaders in on-base percentage at .424.

“It concerns me a little bit because he’s a big part of the club,” Garner said. “What’s he got? Six extra-base hits? He normally has 12 a month. That’s a concern. However, he is getting on base. That’s one of the reasons (Carlos) Lee’s having a nice year is Berkman has been getting on base a lot.

“That’s why I haven’t taken him out of the lineup because he has done something to help, and obviously people still fear him because they keep pitching around him.”

Is Morgan Ensberg’s power loss bug a contagious disease?

NTNgod Posted: May 22, 2007 at 06:15 AM | 8 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: astros

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1. Walt Davis Posted: May 22, 2007 at 06:51 AM (#2373908)

or shades of Bobby Abreu?

His BA has been too high to put him in the "young guy with old-man skills" bucket, but he's always had one foot in that bucket. :-) He's 31 now so a rapid decline would hardly be unprecedented. Still, I think I'd roll the dice and keep him in the lineup. :-)

2. NTNgod Posted: May 22, 2007 at 08:13 AM (#2373923)

I started this over the weekend as sort of a joke, but selected sluggers below the "Neifi Line":

2007 Slugging:
.393 - Neifi Perez (our hero)
.384 - Manny Ramirez
.379 - Mike Piazza
.379 - Frank Thomas
.377 - Paul Konerko
.374 - Miguel Tejada
.371 - Lance Berkman
.344 - J.D. Drew
.340 - Adam LaRoche
.321 - Carlos Delgado
.321 - Morgan Ensberg
.318 - Scott Rolen
.314 - Bobby Abreu
.283 - Jim Edmonds

3. JoeHova Posted: May 22, 2007 at 09:56 AM (#2373932)

Would a team be smart to try to trade for any of those guys while their value is low? I mean, would the Blue Jays (or whoever) maybe panic and pick up 1/2 or 3/4 of what Big Frank is owed if someone took him off their hands? Or would it be too much of a risk on both sides?

4. Gambling Rent Czar Posted: May 22, 2007 at 10:27 AM (#2373935)

It is amazing to see JD Drew and Manny on that list with Boston still kicking ass in the division. They are going to be a scary team once those two wake up. And no I am no fanboy.

5. MSI Posted: May 22, 2007 at 07:08 PM (#2374235)

A lot of those guys are getting old. Maybe only a select few will surge ahead, and the others will either tread weater or sink.

6. AROM Posted: May 22, 2007 at 07:16 PM (#2374244)

It is amazing to see JD Drew and Manny on that list with Boston still kicking ass in the division. They are going to be a scary team once those two wake up. And no I am no fanboy.

Good thing Mike Lowell and Youkilis will come back to earth.

7. AROM Posted: May 22, 2007 at 07:17 PM (#2374247)

“That’s why I haven’t taken him out of the lineup because he has done something to help, and obviously people still fear him because they keep pitching around him.”

Good to see Garner isn't a complete and total moron, because that's what it would take to come to the conclusion that Lance Berkman is not good enough for your lineup.

8. base ball chick Posted: May 22, 2007 at 07:38 PM (#2374263)

yeh, especially OUR lineup.

but something looks definitely wrong. he's missing pitches he used to CRUSH. i mean fer gossakes he tried to BUNT last night. it look to me like he is starting his swing late, but hey, it is just what it LOOKS like.

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Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Houston Chronicle: Garner worried about Berkman’s play

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