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How good is Brennan Boesch?
If last season didn't turn out the way it did, there wouldn't be a lot of question marks about Tigers outfielder Brennan Boesch.
There wouldn't be this constant anticipation of the other shoe about to drop.
For while the numbers aren't nearly as staggering - Boesch was the second coming of Babe Ruth the first half of last season, another Kevin Witt the second half - he has played very well overall in 2011.
His average is .318. He's only hit a couple home runs, but has plenty of doubles. He has been much better defensively.
He has a bad series in Cleveland, but bounced back nicely this week against the Yankees.
Is he really a 4-A player or a long-term solution in the Tigers' outfield?
I don't know yet.
But right now, he looks like a pretty good player.
There wouldn't be this constant anticipation of the other shoe about to drop.
For while the numbers aren't nearly as staggering - Boesch was the second coming of Babe Ruth the first half of last season, another Kevin Witt the second half - he has played very well overall in 2011.
His average is .318. He's only hit a couple home runs, but has plenty of doubles. He has been much better defensively.
He has a bad series in Cleveland, but bounced back nicely this week against the Yankees.
Is he really a 4-A player or a long-term solution in the Tigers' outfield?
I don't know yet.
But right now, he looks like a pretty good player.
Labels: Brennan Boesch
posted by Pat Caputo at
10:10 AM
10 Comments:
Pat, Boesch has a quick, and powerful swing. He's learning to be patient, at the plate. I'm sure he'll get his share of home runs, on mistake pitches. Because of his speed, I hope he keeps batting 3rd. He reminds me a bit of
Jim Northrup, with more upside potential. Dave
I think he'll end up like a Jayson Werth type. Solid, dependable, very good RF that's capable of hitting 30 HR if everything goes well. Though neither are worth the 50 billion dollars Werth got in the offseason.
You guys in Detroit are fickle fans only because you know and love baseball.
I said last year that you had nothing to worry about in terms of Boesch.
He had such a great physical swing that his slump was going to be a mental thing.
The second and third yrs of a 4A player who tends to excell in his first year is going to be tough as the opponent pitching strategy comes into play.
Same thing with Jackson. Don't give up on him. He's good.
Book,
It's fun to watch as players play their way out of that 4A status into big league everyday player. Raburn did it last year after a couple years of "hanging around" in The Bigs. Boesch I think will prove he graduated from 4A status this year. Not to say he will rock the world this year like he did the first half last year - but like you said - he will become more consistant - floating between .280 and .320.
Sizemore will graduate this year to.
I love your invention of the 4A status - it really helps you see your roster and potential in a clearer light.
Boesch has proved he is willing to work hard and improve both his offensive and defensive skills. He is smarter at the plate and is better at tracking balls in the outfield.
This is not just a guy with talent who did good as a fresh rookie and is resting on that.
I must admit before this season began I was all for sending him down to the minors. He has changed my opinion with his work ethic.
He hustles all the time. There are some veterans that would do well to emulate that.
Dave,
Seemed like Northrup, who was a terrific football QB in college, was a better athlete. More fluid, could play center and throw better. But same basic type in a way.
Caputo
Michael C,
I don't see him Boesch quite as good as Werth as a hiter, but it take Werth time to develop. He is not as good defensively.
Caputo
Anonymous,
I do like Boesch's hitting stroke. It isn't that long and he does have a live bat.
Caputo
Fred,
I didn't invent the 4-A status. Scouts and baseball people use it all the time. I think Boesch has a chance to be more than this year. Looks pretty good so far.
Caputo
Lynn Benoit,
Good points about his work ethic. A lot of times a slump like his in the second half of last season ruins a player. He's hung in there pretty well. So has Austin Jackson.
Caputo
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