With all the talk lately about Bowker coming up, Sandoval getting screwed in the All-Star vote, Schierholtz getting his chance to play almost every day, the Big Sadowski, Tim Lincecum, and Matt Cain doing so well, I believe that we are forgetting someone who is quietly producing for the Giants.
Travis Ishikawa.
Most of his accolades concern his stellar fielding, which is possibly the best in the National League. Hell, maybe in all of baseball.
But I'm here to talk about his bat. Yes, you heard me right, his bat.
While Pablo (rightfully so) and others are receiving raves, or at least positive comments about their hitting prowess, I hear nothing about our first baseman.
Except of course that "Bowker may take some playing time from Ishikawa." Or, "now that Aurelia is back from bereavement leave, Ishikawa may sit against lefties."
Both of these confuse me a bit when you consider these stats:
Ishikawa is second on the team in home runs per at-bat (behind Sandoval).
He is third on the team in both RBIs per at-bat and OBP (among starters).
He led the team in home runs during spring training.
Yes, he does still strike out too often. But hey, let's remember Travis is still only 25 years old (he will be 26 this September), and is only now getting an opportunity for significant at-bats.
He will learn patience at the plate just like most young players need to do.
It wouldn't surprise me, with equal at-bats, if he leads the Giants in home runs during the second half of the season.
People, at 6'3", 225, he is not tiny. His power numbers are getting better.
So all you Giants fans, how about showing a little love for the man who, barring injury or stupid management decisions, may be our first baseman for some time to come.
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