This is Thursday May 28, and the Rox just dropped 3 in a row to the Dodgers! What makes matters worse is that Tulo is now 3 for 38 with runners in scoring position. The entire team is self destructing with runners in scoring position.
I, personally, attribute this to what Hurdle has done. I think that Hurdle has become the cancer in the clubhouse. "Oh, the players aren't playing for me"..."the team has turned on me"..."why can't we commit to excellence"..."I don't get what is happening"...woe is me"...
Here is what my take on what is happening. Hurdle has shown the propensity (wow, a big word!) to daily shuffle the lineup around. He sits players as punishment. He changes set up and closers more than I change socks! The team needs consistency!
When I'm coaching my 7-year olds tee-ball team, I need to make sure that each player has a chance to play each position and gets at bats. When I coached Freshmen ball, I tried to give playtime to each player. This is not tee-ball or even High School ball, it is the Major Leagues! Stick with a line up for more than 2 games. Quit shuffling around the batting order! Let the players find a groove in a spot.
Let's take Tulo for example (yes, he is one of my current favorites). Some games he is hitting in the 2 spot, some games he is in the 6 spot, and God forbid he swings at the first pitch, he will be benched. Tulo is struggling, but putting more pressure on him is not going to help! Sending the message hit or be benched is not going to help...especially when Atkins (who I think is Hurdle's little pet) is doing even worse and yet has not been "punished" like Tulo has.
I don't think that the team (as a whole) trusts Hurdle! They don't know what to expect from him. He is not he leader that is needed right now...he is very ineffective as a leader.
"What about the 2007 run that he lead?" He had NOTHING to do with that! He sat back and rode the Helton, Holliday, Tulo train for the majority of the playoffs. When he did take back the reigns, we fell apart! He has even admitted to "letting the players play" for the majority of "the streak".
I'm not necessarily calling for the firing of Hurdle...okay I am...since I don't really see anybody who is available to step in. Baylor...been there, did that, no thanks! Vinny...maybe, but I feel he would just be an interim. Walt Weiss...he turned down the Bench Coach job, I don't think he'd want this mess. So, I don't know, keep the Turdle for the rest of the year, but definitely DO NOT renew his contract! Hurdle is done, that is for sure!
Don't get me started on the bullpen...
Until next time...
the Lockedawg
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