Judging the Royals

Games » Toronto Blue Jays

Lee Judge

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Perfect is the enemy of good. Clint Hurdle’s not the first one to say it, but he was the first one to say it to me. It’s just one of the many smart things he’s said to me over the years. (When asked what my natural baseball position was, he said, “equipment manager,” so you know this is one bright dude.)

Anyway, unless the pitcher’s throwing a perfect game, his job is to limit the damage. He limits the damage by not giving away free bases. I once asked Clint how they expected a pitcher to approach the game in Coors Field and he said, “We know you’re going to give up home runs, just don’t walk two people first.”

That’s pretty much what Kyle Davies did in this game, limit the damage. He did walk two people in the second, Overbay hitting .115 and Buck hitting .184, clearly not what he wanted to do, but he got out of it and didn’t give up another walk all night.

Same with Rupe and Hughes: no walks in two innings.

Not a great game, but they limited the damage.

Callaspo and the 3-hole…

I’ve got no clue what goes on in this guy’s head. In fact, I barely understand what goes on in mine (is it normal to be attracted to Mini-Coopers?…They’re just so cute.) I have learned that some guys can’t hit in the 3-hole.

I’m not saying he’s one of them, but there is some evidence that he does better elsewhere.

It’s all psychological, of course. The reason you want him in the 3-hole is because of what he does in the 6-hole, but he may only be able to do it because he’s in the 6-hole.

I’ve been batted third by some very bad managers and it does get in your head. (You think I’m the best hitter on the team?) You immediately feel the pressure to have a good night. If you suck in the 7th, 8th or 9 spots, big deal, it’s ok, you’re in the bottom of the order and you’re down there because no one expects much of you. Pressure’s off.

Although Russ Morman once said an interesting thing to me: anytime a team has a big offensive night, look at the bottom of the order. It’s hard to keep big rallies going if the bottom third doesn’t produce.

But they might be producing because they’re in the bottom of the order and feel less pressure. I know I’m mentally suited to hit somewhere around 15th.

Outstanding defensive play…

David DeJesus’ diving catch off Lewis in the sixth kept what was then the tying run off base and, probably, out of scoring position.