The Riot

Let me say this first off. I like Ryan Theriot. I like the way he plays. But he's young and he has a lot to learn -- and as the starting shortstop on a team with hopes of winning it all...he needs to learn it all quickly. Speaking in generalities, he's doing well. Hits are falling. He still whiffs a little too much for me, but a lot of that has to do with pitch selection. When he learns to work the count into his favor, instead of always being 1 - 2, he'll be a more consistant hitter and "putter of the ball into play." But SS is a critical defensive position, and he needs to work hard to become more than merely "serviceable" in that position. I am not talking about yesterday's error specifically. I am talking about the way that the position is played. His anticipation needs to improve -- maybe that comes with learning his pitchers a little better. He needs to get rid of the ball quicker -- he still has a second baseman's arm. Don't get me wrong. I like the guy. This is all "constructive." If he wants to be David Eckstein, then he has to walk more and foul off more and shorten his swing. Here's a tip for him. Watch Reed Johnson bat. The deeper into the count he goes, the more he chokes up and gets closer to the plate.

We were outplayed yesterday anyway, so it wasn't like we gave the game away. You are going to lose games. Just don't give away wins. So far we are winning the games we should (exception being the first series to the Brewers.)

Pie has shortened up his swing this week and it is paying dividends. Let's hope that he can keep it that way. He did misplay that ball in the eighth yesterday, but overall his D has been superb, so no complaint.

Aramis Ramirez is starting to heat it up. He looks to me likes he's dropped a few pounds. I think he's going to have a big, big year. Watch. You heard it here first.

Fontenot (Sorry Mojo) needs to go back to AAA for some at bats. He's not comfortable at the plate. He's pressing again, just like he did last year after his fast start. Another little guy trying to jerk the ball out of the yard. Fine him for hitting the ball in the air. Hey, Lou, while you are shortening Pie's swing? Work with Fonty, too. He might just be a good player someday with some help.

Question. Why doesn't Fukudome bat second against righties? I'd like to see Johnson or Theriot lead off and Fuku in the 2 spot. Move Soto up to protect Ramirez -- he's hitting, and drop the other guy in the 7 or 8 spot. Patience in the two spot is important and a long at bat in that spot makes a pitcher more likely to groove DLee early.

Let's win today and win the series. Most important stat of all is series' won. Sweeps are great, don't get me wrong, but win 2 of 3 with regularity, and you walk away with the division.

Ah, well. That's my two cents. Take it for what it's worth.

Sherm

PS: rumor has it that Smitty has a rotator cuff injury (from patting himself on the back over the Podsednik thing)