Josh Hamilton, again
Those in a rush to see him in the lineup every day forget we're dealing with a different case here. It's great that he's living a fairy tale these first few weeks, and is taking us along with him. But Hamilton's dealing with more than just getting in his work and studying pitchers. Too much success now could be as harmful to him as too much failure. I like the way J. Narron is handling him, and I think it should be that way for another month or two. Plus, Narron and his brother Johnny grew up with him. Hamilton was good friends with Johnny's son. The manager knows best in this case.
The kid's getting the world thrown at him now. Please let him get settled.
posted by Paul Daugherty at 9:02 AM
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Post a Comment*Disagree with you on this one, Paul. Sitting on a bench erodes timing and confidence (see Wily Mo for but one example). Hamilton can and should play every day. That's what he did in Spring Training, and look at the results.
It's simply a different team and game when he's in the lineup.
Disagree he should be in line-up every day. He has not played a major league season - plenty of time to use him in games down the road...no need to wear him out now.
He will adjust to his role - like all players...
PD--One of the many things I admire about your writing is that after reflecting on things and coming to think that you may have been wrong on something, you've got the ability to ask for a "do-over"...I remember a follow-up Huggins article (right after he was fired)in which you basically said "my bad"...wasn't weakness, rather, it was admirable. Might want to re-think this one after considering the following:
Like DocProc said, timing is everything in hitting; riding the pine destroys that.
You yourself have made him a fan-favorite by telling his very worth-telling story. By choosing to highlight him frequently, you draw attention to him that probably pulls him under scrutiny more than would be the case if you didn't. How about chilling out on Josh Hamilton stories, as much as we like to read them, for his sake? Tell him your reason, so he doesn't feel slighted (I don't know that he would), and then just let him play as frequently as possible if that's Narron's move. Him in the lineup, and his success on the field, probably draw way less pressure than being in a feature article twice a week.
Jerry Narron needs to pull Josh into his office and ask one question.
"How do you feel about catching"
luv ya doc but josh needs to be in there every day...as much as possible...even if he goes into a batting slump he will still give you a better quality at bat than most of the others plus he needs to be in the field for his glove and arm...i hate all this "babying" of an athlete...oh we can't rush him in there...we don't want him to get ahead of himself...BS...it's just baseball...i think he's been through stuff in the past where this is not going to overwhelm him...the military has no prob throwing a kid on the front line...i think josh can handle playing this game often...
Mr. Daugherty,
I think that Hamilton would tell you the best thing for him right now is to keep playing. I think he knows best, even better than that Narrons. This is an amazing story we're seeing unfold in front of our eyes, and there is no way that more success on the field correlates to less success off of it. He needs to continue to make good choices off the field, and the rest will take care of itself (talent) on it. Glad you mentioned this subject in your blog though. Cincinnati needs more Hamilton!
Paul, Your integrity will soon have you issuing a 'my bad' on the josh Hamilton thing. Like anonymous 6:46 said, its one of the good things about you. Your idea is well intended, but flat wrong, and i say that with no tone of disrespect.
Unlike the majority of those posting comments here, I agree with you Doc. Anyone who has played the game will tell you that high expections from others, much less an entire city, can be enough weight on your shoulders to draw your mind away from the concentration needed to succeed.
Also, when you consider he is still working through the "past problems", I agree again with the statement in your April 18 Enquirer article suggesting he get a start maybe 3 times a week, as well as be asked to pinch-hit or enter in a double-switch here or there.
Working in the cage and studying film of opposing pitchers can also be helpful when not in the lineup. Let him do the pitch count or keep score, forcing him to studying the opposing hurler.
The BS about looking like a God in spring training can be misleading because the opponents tend to be NOTHING like major league pitchers. You're looking at those that end up in AA ball or are designated for assignment. It's my opinion that he may be in the grooming proceess to soon replace Junior once he decides to hang it up.
Feel free to let me know just what you think of my ramblings.
Pat
tarp7@yahoo.com
excuse me, thenaturalmevs.
"There is no way that more success on the field correlates to less succuess off of it."
are you serious? have you followed professional sports for the past 20 years? perhaps josh is as squeaky clean now as he wants us to believe. but i still think there is at least a correlation. let's not be completley naive.
I appreciate that this could quickly become very overwhelming for him and people (media) should give him space and time to do his thing. Problem is this is such a wonderful, inspirational story. We can't get enough of the good vibes not to mention how awesome it is to watch him (AND RYAN FREEL) play. Selfishly, I'd like to see them both in every game. Their selflessness and enthusiam for the game really is a treat for us fans!
I love how everyone is supposed to relax about Hamilton. Daugherty is the one who can't stop writing about the kid.
I actually agree with you on this one, Doc. Let's take it slow with Josh.
And I wish the fans and media would slow down a bit too. I've never seen someone annointed as the greatest thing ever after a few at-bats. Is this town that hard-up for a new star?
I've just read an article from USA Today regarding Josh Hamilton's drug use and recovery. The fact that this guy is even playing ball is a miracle. Let him get on solid footing, both on the field and off. When he is ready to go every day, he'll know and the team will know.
I've had some of the demons that Josh has in my life , and when I got into the most trouble , was when I had too much free time . I disaree , play the kid till he falls over , then help him up and play him some more . He may not turn out to be Roy Hobbs , but he is sure fun to watch . One of those rare guys that you don't want to miss him bat , because you're afraid you might miss something extraordinay .
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