IS BJ our Manny?

by ttnorm on Apr 27, 2008 12:56 AM EDT

The thought occured tonight as after Upton laced one up the 3B line and suddenly Manny attacks the ball with all the speed of a Old Timer's Game player and BJ inexplicably jogs to 1st and 2nd with all the gusto that would make Aubrey Huff look like Michael Johnson running the 200m. I believe every other player on the Rays would make it to 3rd on that play, but because it is a hit to LF, Upton never bothers to look for more than a double. Which likely cost the Rays a run.

Besides the hustle on the basepaths when it suits me attitude, BJ also has the hit the cutoff man once a week attitude, and the 'forgetting not to overrun the bag when the ball is in close proximity' attitude.

[Standard obligatory disclaimer - Yes I know that BJ, talented though he may be, is no Manny in terms of offensive production.]

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

FWIW, I don't think Upton would have made it into third on that play.

But I really don’t think he’s as lazy as you make him out to be. I think it really has more to do with him being so good that a lot of his plays look effortless.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Apr 27, 2008 1:03 AM EDT reply actions

It took Manny 8 seconds flat to pick up that ball.

Even Navarro could have made 3rd on that play.

by ttnorm on Apr 27, 2008 1:15 AM EDT reply actions

I have to admit, I was asking myself the same question after that play.

by RATW on Apr 27, 2008 1:18 AM EDT reply actions

I couldn't see the progress of Manny towards the ball

In relation to Upton’s position on the basepaths, so I’ll concede the point given that. I honestly don’t know on this specific play, but I didn’t really notice anything peculiar. I do know that Upton often gets a lot of grief from people, unfairly I think, for his perceived laziness. I’m not saying there isn’t some there, but I think his demeanor often gives a false impression in that regard. From what I’ve heard, Upton works as hard as anyone in the batting cages and off the field, so I can’t see a reason why he would constantly hot dog it on the field in lieu of doing it in practice.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Apr 27, 2008 1:28 AM EDT reply actions

I thought Gomes was our Manny?

"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 27, 2008 1:30 AM EDT reply actions

A lot of the general perception is probably an extension of his defensive play, which can range from a spectacular catch one game to missing the cutoff man multiple times or taking bad routes or playing too shallow (probably not even his call) the next.. similar to when he played infield and would make a terrific play then boot a routine ball.. or all the caught stealing on the basepaths so far this year. You see what he is capable of doing and then wonder why he can’t do it all the time.

I don’t think he’s lazy, just isn’t as polished as a lot of other baseball players. He definitely seems to work as hard as anyone else (he’s had to at least try to learn multiple defensive positions and obviously is a very good hitter) and based on the number of times he gets into it with the umps, he definitely wants to win. He’s also insanely gifted and it seems he knows it. That perceived cockiness rubs some people the wrong way.

But tonight, on that particular play it was like watching a battle of lazy strolls. I think Upton just assumed it was a double all the way, forgetting who was patrolling LF for the Sox. Even the Sox announcers were on Upton for not getting to third with Manny out there lolligagging to the ball.

by RATW on Apr 27, 2008 1:56 AM EDT reply actions

No, he be not!

While Manny’s fortitudeness in hitting is unmatched by Upton. BJ’s fielding rightetude is unmatched in comparison with the tortoisefullness of Ramirez.

And to all you “HAMMERHEADS” chastising Upton for his lack of hustle. Remember what Confucious say, “nevah may firs’ or thir’ ou at thir’ bay.” George Hendrick most likely told him to coast knowing there was no one out.

Great pitching performance by both pitchers. Clay’s stuff was filthy. His fastball relatively unhittable. His breaking pitching had sharp break but he was up in the “K” zone. I was watching the game watching the Rays hitters trying to catch up to the fastball thinking, sit on the curve. Aki looked for a breaking pitch and oh what a hit to send the whiningest team and their fans to a 2nd straight loss.

Let’s hope Shields can outduel the tight neck of Beckett this afternoon. I ‘m hoping the brooms are out in full force and the pansie ass Red Sox fans are sent home making excuses for their loss.

My fingers are crossed.

by John 63 on Apr 27, 2008 8:23 AM EDT reply actions