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Notes: Bonds hits hard times
Alou points to struggling slugger's slowing bat speed
By David Briggs / MLB.com
PITTSBURGH -- Barry Bonds stared blankly at the clubhouse wall after Saturday's loss as he silently lounged on a clubhouse couch. Not exactly the look expected from one of the game's all-time greats.
But this was not the same Bonds. This was the Bonds who had just one hit over his last 17 at-bats and looked out of sorts at the plate. Adding further insult were the loud cheers earlier in the night that resonated throughout the sellout crowd at PNC Park when Bonds slammed a foul ball off his ankle in the sixth inning.
He was fine. His swing hasn't been. And the fear Bonds' presence once emanated is rapidly diminishing. His intentional walks have declined each month, from 12 in April to nine in May to seven in June to just four this month.
Giants manager Felipe Alou said he's seen a recent decrease in Bonds' bat speed, but most troubling to the manager is his declining lack of plate discipline. His walks have also steadily decreased each month, from 26 in April to just 19 this month.
"I don't see the recognition of pitches the way he is accustomed to," Alou said. "You didn't ever see Barry taking strikes without being ready to swing the bat. And he is swinging at some bad pitches. We're not used to seeing that." Bonds was given his scheduled day of rest on Sunday.
I just found Barry Bonds Rookie Card!!
Notes: Bonds hits hard times
Alou points to struggling slugger's slowing bat speed
By David Briggs / MLB.com
PITTSBURGH -- Barry Bonds stared blankly at the clubhouse wall after Saturday's loss as he silently lounged on a clubhouse couch. Not exactly the look expected from one of the game's all-time greats.
But this was not the same Bonds. This was the Bonds who had just one hit over his last 17 at-bats and looked out of sorts at the plate. Adding further insult were the loud cheers earlier in the night that resonated throughout the sellout crowd at PNC Park when Bonds slammed a foul ball off his ankle in the sixth inning.
He was fine. His swing hasn't been. And the fear Bonds' presence once emanated is rapidly diminishing. His intentional walks have declined each month, from 12 in April to nine in May to seven in June to just four this month.
Giants manager Felipe Alou said he's seen a recent decrease in Bonds' bat speed, but most troubling to the manager is his declining lack of plate discipline. His walks have also steadily decreased each month, from 26 in April to just 19 this month.
"I don't see the recognition of pitches the way he is accustomed to," Alou said. "You didn't ever see Barry taking strikes without being ready to swing the bat. And he is swinging at some bad pitches. We're not used to seeing that." Bonds was given his scheduled day of rest on Sunday.
I just found Barry Bonds Rookie Card!!
