A Dirty Job: and Pedro's gotta do it

Not only are our memories short. They are selective too. So it is that Pedro Feliz is the Giant's new pin-up, leading the team with 27 RBIs and showing decent pop with 8 HRs. He also has a team-leading three sons.

The case for the hybrid first-third baseman follows that what separates Feliz from becoming a legitimate power hitter is experience, namely 450 plus ABs in a season. Last year, with him belting 16 Home Runs in 249 Plate Appearances, the leadership resolved to give him his chance. The twist is that he has found himself batting in the No. 5 slot, behind the fellow who happens to get on base around two times out of three.

Unfortunately for the Giants and Feliz, 27 RBIs is merely average for a guy who gets as many opportunities as he does. He has appeared at the plate with runners on base around half the time (46%), and in scoring position about a third (30%). Of his 8 home runs, a grand total of one has driven in Bonds; in games where he has homered, the Giants are 3-5. For those in the jury still out, another look at the numbers might put to rest any rumor that this is THE guy for the clean-up-clean-up role.


* Feliz has grounded into a ML highest 7 double plays--4 of them
with the bases loaded.

* He is batting 0.210 (12 for 57) with Runners in Scoring Position.

* Swing Selection: Averaging just 2.86 pitches per at bat, Feliz's bat ranks
among the most hot-handed in the majors.

* Thus far this season, Feliz has two walks. Bonds averages two walks per game.

* He has struck out 34 times, a K/BB ratio of 17.
At this rate, he's on course for 130 strikeouts vs. 10 walks. Oh dear.

Contrary to popular opinion (aka Mike Krukow) Feliz is decidedly not the plug for the Giants leaky offense. Bonds needs the protection of an elite hitter, one who is able to work counts, hit the ball to all fields and above all, capitalize on pitchers mistakes. All too often Feliz's inexperience, even ineptitude, at the plate will cost the team outs, particularly against the better pitchers who will pitch to him on their own terms. They know Pedro will come out--indeed strikeout--swinging. In short, he is not displaying any sign of evolving into what the Giants need him to be: A clutch hitter with pop. For that, Felipe Alou would much have someone like his son, Moises, in the lineup.