Baseball Guru
06-09-2002, 05:46 PM
He hit his 3rd grand slam of the season today....
This is a guy who has a total of 8 career homeruns and 3 of them are grand salami's:clap1:
http://i.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/players/15586.jpg
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Born: Jan. 20, 1975 in Sanford, Florida, United States
David Eckstein wasn't considered much of a prospect, but he regularly produced averages in the .300s and on-base percentages in the .400s in the Red Sox' system. When Eckstein struggled in his first exposure to Triple-A ball in 2000, Boston put him on waivers and the Angels claimed him. He surprised Anaheim by claiming the shortstop job this spring and producing a .355 on-base percentage as a rookie. Not surprisingly, Eckstein slumped in July and September, but in between he batted .360 in a red-hot August.
Hitting
Eckstein is an ideal leadoff hitter, and not just because his generously listed 5-foot-8 frame shrinks the strike zone. He takes pitches and fouls off pitches, tiring opposing pitchers and providing teammates with a solid look at a pitcher's repertoire. He sprays the ball around the field, he's a terrific bunter and he also got on base 21 times last year after being hit by a pitch. Eckstein hit .239 in July, and the Angels were concerned opponents had figured the rookie out, but he rebounded to generate his highest monthly average in August.
Baserunning & Defense
Eckstein is adequate at shortstop, making up for limited range and arm strength with smart positioning and throwing mechanics that look awkward almost as if he is a shot-putter but produce remarkably accurate throws. His natural position is second base. Eckstein led the Angels with 29 stolen bases, getting caught just four times. He is fast enough and smart enough to take the extra base at every opportunity.
Ideally, Eckstein is the leadoff hitter and second baseman for Anaheim in 2002. But top shortstop prospect Alfredo Amezaga might not be ready to hit major league pitching, and manager Mike Scioscia might return Darin Erstad to the leadoff spot. The Angels won't hesitate to return Eckstein to shortstop, at least for this year. With experience, he should draw more walks; with a resurgent offense, he should score 100 runs.
This is a guy who has a total of 8 career homeruns and 3 of them are grand salami's:clap1:
http://i.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/players/15586.jpg
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Born: Jan. 20, 1975 in Sanford, Florida, United States
David Eckstein wasn't considered much of a prospect, but he regularly produced averages in the .300s and on-base percentages in the .400s in the Red Sox' system. When Eckstein struggled in his first exposure to Triple-A ball in 2000, Boston put him on waivers and the Angels claimed him. He surprised Anaheim by claiming the shortstop job this spring and producing a .355 on-base percentage as a rookie. Not surprisingly, Eckstein slumped in July and September, but in between he batted .360 in a red-hot August.
Hitting
Eckstein is an ideal leadoff hitter, and not just because his generously listed 5-foot-8 frame shrinks the strike zone. He takes pitches and fouls off pitches, tiring opposing pitchers and providing teammates with a solid look at a pitcher's repertoire. He sprays the ball around the field, he's a terrific bunter and he also got on base 21 times last year after being hit by a pitch. Eckstein hit .239 in July, and the Angels were concerned opponents had figured the rookie out, but he rebounded to generate his highest monthly average in August.
Baserunning & Defense
Eckstein is adequate at shortstop, making up for limited range and arm strength with smart positioning and throwing mechanics that look awkward almost as if he is a shot-putter but produce remarkably accurate throws. His natural position is second base. Eckstein led the Angels with 29 stolen bases, getting caught just four times. He is fast enough and smart enough to take the extra base at every opportunity.
Ideally, Eckstein is the leadoff hitter and second baseman for Anaheim in 2002. But top shortstop prospect Alfredo Amezaga might not be ready to hit major league pitching, and manager Mike Scioscia might return Darin Erstad to the leadoff spot. The Angels won't hesitate to return Eckstein to shortstop, at least for this year. With experience, he should draw more walks; with a resurgent offense, he should score 100 runs.