TheDoyler23
July-3rd-2008, 09:40 PM
Last year, Aubrey Huff couldn't hit. In the first half, he batted .258/.294/.392 and seemed indifferent towards playing baseball. He hit at least a dozen warning track balls to left-center and patented the 2 hop groundout to second.
In July and August, he played great, swatting 10 dingers and batting well over 300. His final .779 OPS mostly padded while playing out the string.
In the offseason, he went onto a radio show and trashed Baltimore's nightlife, talked about how he doesn't study film... among other actions and damning comments about his work ethic...
THIS year, Huff shed his "Slow Starter" title and came out of the gates hot. He wasn't even hampered by a minor operation just before spring training. Right now, he's surpassed last year's HR totals and is driving the ball to both gaps with authority.
So what happened?
A. Huff's offseason surgery actually focused him; forcing him to rehab and prepare for the season in earnest.
B. His body has recovered from previously using... certain substances. Again. he hit so many warning track balls last year. When he couldn't get it going to left center, he became pull happy and an easier out.
C. The ball is carrying way better at OPACY and his WT balls are finding fans instead of gloves. His slugging % is much better at home, even though his BAbip is lower at home than on the road.
D. Huff is actually trying hard, weather its to buck the "slow starter" role, or to make up for his comments, or just because he's on an above .500 team.
Anyway, I'm not making this a poll as I was just throwing out a few ideas... What do you all think?
In July and August, he played great, swatting 10 dingers and batting well over 300. His final .779 OPS mostly padded while playing out the string.
In the offseason, he went onto a radio show and trashed Baltimore's nightlife, talked about how he doesn't study film... among other actions and damning comments about his work ethic...
THIS year, Huff shed his "Slow Starter" title and came out of the gates hot. He wasn't even hampered by a minor operation just before spring training. Right now, he's surpassed last year's HR totals and is driving the ball to both gaps with authority.
So what happened?
A. Huff's offseason surgery actually focused him; forcing him to rehab and prepare for the season in earnest.
B. His body has recovered from previously using... certain substances. Again. he hit so many warning track balls last year. When he couldn't get it going to left center, he became pull happy and an easier out.
C. The ball is carrying way better at OPACY and his WT balls are finding fans instead of gloves. His slugging % is much better at home, even though his BAbip is lower at home than on the road.
D. Huff is actually trying hard, weather its to buck the "slow starter" role, or to make up for his comments, or just because he's on an above .500 team.
Anyway, I'm not making this a poll as I was just throwing out a few ideas... What do you all think?