Papelbon's Poutine said:Well, considering you're the only one complaining about it, maybe you should either take better notes or consider if you're being unreasonable? Getting agitated at the posture a hitter takes on a 0-0 pitch seems beyond ridiculous to me. If he's decided to take a pitch who gives a shit if he lays his bat on the ground and picks his nose?
I get that people are upset and agitated with the team right now, especially those that are underperforming and well paid. Hanley has had his bonehead moments, but I think we need to settle down a bit before we start bashing him for not having the proper stance when taking a pitch and going as far as to suggest it may be causing strife with his teammates.
There's plenty to be upset about with Hanley or the team without searching for it.
Well, I'm not exactly agitated about it since I don't get agitated about a game played by other people for our amusement. I am, however in WTF mode.
I'm a fan of Hanley and assume his contributions at the plate are eventually going outweigh his deficits in the field, particularly Left Field where shitty outfielders go to die (or learn). Hanley should also better protect Ortiz once/if he starts hitting like he's capable. None of us know if he's hurt. I'll repeat, however, that the plate approach I'm referring to is at minimum...curious. It almost looks like it could be a "fuck you" to someone - or it could just be Hanley being Hanley.
More importantly, this lineup needs Ramirez to be a force that triggers a positive effect for Ortiz and Sandoval/Napoli and therefore Betts/Pedroia. That's just stating the obvious. I have confidence he'll find that power again and the whole lineup will benefit because, if he doesn't, the offense is much less likely to win games on its own. Talk of benching Ramirez or Ortiz (or Napoli) is the talk of fools - this team will be nowhere unless those three start hitting like they're supposed to. They can't hit from the bench.