Ageda is an Italian word for anxiety with fewer key strokes and befitting Votto's ethnic background, it is appropriate.
Billy Hamilton, getting on base in front of Votto has allowed the Reds' former MVP the opportunity to drive in runs that have eluded him the last two years. Votto was criticized for taking too many walks in RBI situations when the reality was there was no reason to pitch to him.
Now with Hamilton such a threat to steal, the pitchers concentration has been divided.
 |
| http://www.wiedemannbeer.com/ |
Hamilton worked with Delino DeShields, the manager of the Louisville Bats, on being more selective and hitting the ball on the ground more, which is accomplished by better pitch selection. Hamilton has been on base at a .444 clip in the first four games. While hitting .286, he has drawn four walks. Hamilton walked just 34 times in 152 games last year. He has seven stolen bases in seven attempts.
"Billy is more aware of what pitchers are trying to do to him," Bryan Price said.
 |
| Order Amazon at right |
The combination has worked with pitchers wary of Hamilton and not being able to concentrate on Votto.
"Anybody would benefit with a speed guy like Hamilton on base," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. "That's why we are trying to quicken guys up in general. You have to find a happy medium where you don't sacrifice stuff. The best pitchers in the game are all quick to the plate."
The catcher has to worry about both. If the best pitch to Votto is a slow curve, the catcher can't worry that the pitch is easy for Hamilton to steal on.
"The job of the catcher is to make the pitcher aware and just do what you can," said Matheny a former catcher. "It is obvious to us if they sacrifice their best pitch to throw a guy out. That has diminishing returns. The good catcher fight that urge."
Urge or not, pitch selection or not, Votto hit three home runs already, driven in eight runs and hit at a .412 clip.
No comments:
Post a Comment