Freddie Lewis has been red hot since coming off the disabled list. He started with an excellent rehab assignment period in Fresno in which he hit close to .400 with 2 home runs and had 8 rbi in about a weeks time. In his two starts since being called back up with the big squad, he is 5-8, with 1 home run, 4 rbi, and 4 runs scored. I know Lewis has been inconsistent at times this year, and he has shown some inexperience in the outfield, but he is the only Giants youngster who can really fill out a stat sheet. Kevin Frandsen, Dan Ortmeier and Nate Schierholtz all have shown some glimpses of being able to stick, but Lewis sticks out a little bit from them in my eyes. It's obvious that he can fly and with time should become an above average base stealer, but the spot that separates Lewis from the others is his plate discipline. He also has a little bit more pop than the other 3 Giant rookies. Granted he's only had 99 at-bat's (118 plate appearances) he does carry a .790 OPS which is good for 3rd on the team behind only Barry Bonds and Ryan Klesko. Way back when Lewis first came up for Roberts, I really wanted to see Lewis get a good shot at staying, and hoped he would at least get 100 at bats to prove himself. I think he's earned another 100, and playing him over Dave Roberts and Randy Winn may not only be best for the future, but fore this year as well.I was a little surprised to see Bonds declare that he wouldn't participate in the home run derby
next week before the all-star game. I am pretty disappointed because I am planning on being there and figured Barry would be a lock. Is there a better time to participate in a derby than the year that your going to become the all time home run king, and the game happens to be in the place you've called home for the last 15 years? I am certainly amazed that Bonds decided the way he did, especially after being voted in as a starter mostly because of the fans in San Francisco and the fact that they wanted him to be there. After hearing his reason for not participating, I understand it to a certain point, but this is part of the game. So much for looking forward to seeing Bonds and Griffey tee off into the 'Cove. Who knows, he could have a change of heart over the next week, but I wouldn't bet on it.
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But most importantly, I am the father of a 6 year old boy. He loves baseball, the Giants, and of course Barry.
Every night after I get home from work, we play a fantasy game of catch where we run through the Giants lineup and whoever they are playing in a mock baseball gaem. And of course, Barry knocks one out just about every time.
I've tried to look the other way around many aspects of Barry's personality and reputation, but this is brutual. We were fortunate enough to get tickets to tonight's game, but my son will be devastated to miss Barry there. How should I explain this?
I think I know. I'll simply have to explain to my son that Barry, his hero, is actually a "bad sport". We learned through little league how important it is to be a good sport, so I'm sure this will confuse and devastate the little guy, but I don't know what else to say.
We stuffed ballot boxes along with everyone else to get Barry into the starting lineup, we've suffered watching almost every game played by this contract constrained/talent starved team in this pathetic first half, we've tolerated Barry's ability to miss many weekend games, and what do we have to show for it?
Barry telling us that he is his own man. Dude, there are probably 50,000 kids in the Bay Area wondering why you couldn't come out and show off in your own hometown... confused and let down by their local hero.
I was lucky enough to grow up in Philadelphia, where Mike Schmidt was my boyhood hero. The guy never switched teams, was fair and reasonable about his contract, was a great family man, stayed loyal to his fans, and even brought home a ring. His biggest endorsement deals was for milk!
Mr. Mcgowan, could you please jettison this guy? He is doing absolutely nothing for the team, the city, or you. In fact, he's rubbing our nose in it. Please, please, please, let's move on and bring in a quality hometown hero that my son and his 50,000 other compatriates so badly deserve.