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| Cardinals fans have been frustrated with the play of Colby Rasmus, but if Tony La Russa is willing to be patient with him, so should everyone else. - Photo courtesy of Getty |
This season, you can easily tell that La Russa has had more patience with Rasmus, who has obviously adjusted his approach at the plate. Rasmus is still streaky and his sudden slump is certainly evidence, but La Russa understands that Rasmus is still learning and maturing at the major league level.
"I think it's just the whole process of learning," La Russa said. "We talk about adjusting, and you have to know what you're doing, and some of that you can't rush. ... It looks to me like he doesn't get really down, but adjusting is part of big league hitting, and you start to learn to make adjustments to the pitching."
Rasmus started the season on a torrid pace, hitting .290 in the month of April while scoring 17 runs to help spark the top of the Cardinals potent batting order. Since, Rasmus has cooled off considerably, hitting just .237 with just and two home runs.
Cardinals fans have been frustrated with how streaky Rasmus can be and with his effort on defense. Some have called for the Cardinals to trade Rasmus for help in the middle infield and the bullpen.
But Rasmus has been an overwhelmingly important player for the Cardinals this season. Rasmus is second on the team in runs scored with 42, second in walks with 35, and leads the team with six triples on the season.
Rasmus has come through in clutch RBI opportunities this season, going three for three with the bases loaded with a home run. The left-handed hitter has even drastically improved his plate discipline and success rate against left-handed pitching. Rasmus is hitting .274 against lefties with a 12 walk to 12 strikeout ratio in 62 at bats.
La Russa is right regarding Rasmus. It still is a learning experience for him and Cardinals fans should be more patient with a player that offers so much promise in the form of speed and power.
Cardinals fans are fully aware of La Russa's past with young players. The future Hall of Fame manager rarely has patience with young players who are not willing to change.
So if Tony is willing to be patient with Rasmus, so should everyone else.
Sources:
tony should use his four of and rotate them 3
ReplyDeletegames on one off,o everyone of them will maintain his sharpness,rasmas ,bergman,jay and
holiday given each one a days rest also.