August 27, 200421 yr Painful to watch this guy try so hard and yet be so overmatched. Ok I understand that some (read: most) are not blessed with very quick hands, but Borchard's problem at the plate goes far beyond that. It's the way he reacts to the ball - so late, so arythmic and robotic - that presents such a serious long-term concern. Long swing path, mediocre batspeed are a big problem as it is, but when you have a hitter who is not picking up on the release point, can't recognize the rotation early and doesn't seem to have much of a plan up there judging by some of the ugly, tentative swings......not good. How do you fix something like that? At 26.
August 27, 200421 yr He's been smoking balls right at people lately, and it's most likely a matter of time before he goes on some sort of good streak. All your reasons are why I just want him to get his at bats in this year, report for Spring Training and do the best he can to try and make the team.
August 27, 200421 yr And he took 2 walks today. there has to be a start... Correct, as hard as it may be to tell, I believe progress is being made with Joe B.
August 27, 200421 yr improving command of the strike zone is a start. After taking last winter off, the guy HAS to play winter ball and find a way to shorten his swing. Crede has many of the same problems.
August 27, 200421 yr Borchard, I hope will be fine. Rowand has had the same struggles when he came up. Besides he has hit the ball well and he is getting walks. He is improving just having some bad luck whenever he hit the ball. and he is hitting the ball hard.
August 27, 200421 yr Painful to watch this guy try so hard and yet be so overmatched. Ok I understand that some (read: most) are not blessed with very quick hands, but Borchard's problem at the plate goes far beyond that. It's the way he reacts to the ball - so late, so arythmic and robotic - that presents such a serious long-term concern. Long swing path, mediocre batspeed are a big problem as it is, but when you have a hitter who is not picking up on the release point, can't recognize the rotation early and doesn't seem to have much of a plan up there judging by some of the ugly, tentative swings......not good. How do you fix something like that? At 26. Years and years of batting practice. I will say this bout Borch though, he's actually looked better in his last few games.
August 27, 200421 yr It's the way he reacts to the ball - so late, so arythmic and robotic Reminds me of Crede..
August 27, 200421 yr Author Reminds me of Crede.. Well, back in 2002 Crede was a deceptively quick, aggressive and coordinated hitter. You didn't mind the lack of patience or suspect mechanics because everything else was there as he was effortlessly smacking offerings by Clemens, Lowe, etc. In short, 24yo Joe was already a ML hitter who would become an All-Star with a few years of experience under his belt. Granted, Crede has regressed big-time since then, but at least I can honestly say the talent is there. With Borchard, I have yet to see "it" at the ML level. He's totally overmatched. And it's not like he is 21, know what I mean?
August 27, 200421 yr Well, back in 2002 Crede was a deceptively quick, aggressive and coordinated hitter. You didn't mind lack of patience or suspect mechanics because everything else was there as he was effortlessly smacking offerings by Clemens, Lowe, etc. In short, 24yo Joe was already a ML hitter who would become an All-Star with a few years of experience under his belt. Granted, Crede has regressed big-time since then, but at least I can honestly say the talent is there. With Borchard, I have yet to see "it" at the ML level. He's totally overmatched. And it's not like he is 21, know what I mean? Absolutely. But Crede just looks lost at times its unbearable. Consisantsy should be in his volcabulary and he'll be straight. Not a Bustchard fan by all means but he still has a chance. Of course the sox are in love with his power potential they traded a grinder in Reed and have alot of power rather than slap hitters in their line-up. He can fix this stuff even at 26-30. He's going to get his at-bats. We will see what happens if he gets hot down the stretch of the season or not. Let him get his sip of tea and we'll go from there.
August 27, 200421 yr Bottom line is Joe B. should be in the lineup everyday from this point on...... Let's let time and regular AB's tell the story. I only saw two plate appearances tonight, but he looked good. He had a long at bat and drew a walk the first time up and smoked a ball that damned near burned Crisp in CF. I'll say this about Joe B.......... Joe Borchard is a class guy and a tireless worker. He is the kind of player that if he ever puts it together, Sox fans will LOVE to see him playing for their beloved. He can be everything a fan wants in a player in terms how he plays the game and his approach off the field. This season is over........ just watch Joe play daily and be patient. Let's see if he can get comfortable and improve. If not, then the Sox know what direction to go in next year.
August 27, 200421 yr Author Absolutely. But Crede just looks lost at times its unbearable. Consisantsy should be in his volcabulary and he'll be straight. Not a Bustchard fan by all means but he still has a chance. Of course the sox are in love with his power potential they traded a grinder in Reed and have alot of power rather than slap hitters in their line-up. He can fix this stuff even at 26-30. He's going to get his at-bats. We will see what happens if he gets hot down the stretch of the season or not. Let him get his sip of tea and we'll go from there. I'll say this: Sox are desperate for their own Lew Fords and Justin Mornos, and Joe Crede and Joe Borchard are gonna have to step up in a major way next year. The difference between 1st and 2nd place is often just a couple of prospects cashing in on their potential. Time to produce, or get off the pot for both. No excuses.
August 27, 200421 yr And he took 2 walks today. there has to be a start... Not to mention he batteled for each one fouling off many pitches
August 27, 200421 yr 0-3 tonight at the plate. /it was the best he's looked this season in the bigs. That's his problem, even when he hits the ball hard it usually goes straight to an opposing fielder. He should definitely play every day though now.
August 27, 200421 yr Author 0-3 tonight at the plate. /it was the best he's looked this season in the bigs. well, he did have that game against Detroit where he went oppo and also had 3 hard line-outs in the previous at bats.....
August 27, 200421 yr That's his problem, even when he hits the ball hard it usually goes straight to an opposing fielder. That same comment reminded me of Willie from last year. Always hit the ball hard, but it was right at somebody.
August 27, 200421 yr It's really time for people to stop b****ing about Borchard and just let him play. Give the Sox a braintrust real chance to evaluate him. He's struggled and is now having some bad luck, but if the guy is still working let's give him a chance (as fans) and see what he can do.
August 27, 200421 yr It's really time for people to stop b****ing about Borchard and just let him play. Give the Sox a braintrust real chance to evaluate him. He's struggled and is now having some bad luck, but if the guy is still working let's give him a chance (as fans) and see what he can do. Exactly, it's not like there's no point in playing Timo Perez or Ross Glaod every day because they are never going to become everyday players for this team, Borch has that chance too. Hopefully he gets enough RBI chances down lower in the order at #8 as well.
August 27, 200421 yr Well Rooney and Farmer were commenting on Borch last night and compared him to Rowand last season and the struggles Aaron had with his hitting. Aaron said he agreed and Borch would be fine once he settles down and gets more ABs. IIRC a lot of people were down on A Row last season and now most love the guy. Lets just see if Borch can get it together or not up in the bigs. If he can great, if not what is lost by this?
August 27, 200421 yr God damn, anyone see that lineshot he hit right at Crisp last night? That was one of the hardest hit balls I have EVER seen.
August 27, 200421 yr I mentioned this a few weeks ago, but for the rest of the season, Borchard should be starting everyday. With that in mind, people should be happy if he looks good at the plate, and not complain. All you can ask for someone like Borchard is to hit the ball hard. He'll always K a lot, it's just a matter of maximizing his strength. Would people rather see Timo in RF everyday? I sure wouldnt. Timo doesnt have a chance to start for this team in the future, Borchard does.
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