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| Colby Rasmus has been excellent this season offensively, but has taken some heat from fans for his defensive efforts. After misplaying a ball once again on Thursday night, Rasmus admitted fault. - Photo courtesy of Getty Images |
Rasmus finished the evening 2 for 5 with a grand slam and six RBI's in the losing cause.
And while Rasmus has done well at the plate this season, leading the team in runs scored with 37 and posting an on base percentage of .378, Cardinals fans have been frustrated by the youngster's perceived lack of ability on defense, which reared its ugly head once again last night.
Rasmus mis-judged a fly ball in the sixth inning last night that fell between him and outfielder Allen Craig. It was a very catchable ball and led to an inning that saw the Giants score three runs.
Rasmus admitted after the game that the play was his fault.
"At first, I didn't think it would go quite that far," he said. "It was a misread on my part and I kind of gave up on it a little. It didn't go where I thought it was going to. I just missed the play."
Rasmus has shown improvement at the plate this season, particularly in cutting down on his strikeouts and taking better at bats. Rasmus has struck out 45 times this season, but has also drawn 33 walks, a decent ratio.
But Cardinals fans will continue to be baffled by the talented center fielder's struggles defensively. Last season Rasmus had problem throwing and now it seems he is loafing after fly balls in center field.
The defensive lapses for Rasmus have to stop, otherwise Cardinals fans will continue to ride him, especially considering that fans have the not-so-distant memory of Jim Edmonds roaming center field at Busch.
But lets not forget how much Rasmus has matured offensively. By admitting his mistake after the game, it looks like he is maturing as a man too, which should carry to the field at some point. Baseball purists can only hope.
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