Like much of the Giants lineup during this nightmare start, first baseman Brandon Belt has struggled to make consistent contact at the plate. His .221 batting average is second worst amongst the Giants’ regular starters, and the worst amongst Giants players with at least 100 at-bats this season.
On the bright side, Belt is still getting on base at an above average clip, with his .358 percentage second only behind Buster Posey. The problem is that Belt is hitting second in the lineup, and is therefore seeing a handful of fastballs which he has been mostly unable to put in play. Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow believes that because of this, Belt should be dropped to the 8th spot in the lineup if he continues to struggle.
“I don’t think you put him there if he continues to struggle, I think you drop him down the lineup,” Krukow told Murph and Mac Friday morning. “Look the number two hole is what? It’s a fastball spot. You get your third hitter — your best hitter or at least one of your more productive hitters, more intimidating hitters, hitting in that three spot — and you’re going to get fastballs for the guy in the second spot, but what’s the one pitch he’s not hitting? It’s the fastball. And I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go down the lineup — as far as the 8th spot. I mean if you’re gonna be a guy who’s more effective against off-speed stuff, the 8th spot is the place to be. And you know what? If he gets his walks, walk him in front of the pitcher and move him over on a bunt.”
Krukow believes that knocking Belt down in the lineup might send a message that will improve his production.
“If that happens that really challenges a guy. Look, he doesn’t want to go down the lineup. He likes hitting six or above, that’s where he’s always been, and if you put him in the 8th spot maybe that’s a way to get him back on track. ‘You know what there you are, hit yourself up.’ And that’s what quite possibly could happen.”
Listen to the full interview below. To hear Krukow’s comments on Belt, skip to the 12:05 mark.