September 29, 2003
BB
BB stands for Barry Bonds and Base on Balls. The two seem to be equal to Jack McKeon:
``We'll pitch to him if we're way ahead,'' Marlins Manager Jack McKeon told reporters in Florida on Sunday. ``We might even pitch to him the first time up in a 0-0 game -- might.
``It might be a situation where you get a guy on first and you still walk him and take your chances on the next guy.''
The Giants have no problem with this strategy:
If McKeon keeps his word, it might be a while before Bonds gets another hit. Then again, the Giants have watched the pitch-around-Bonds strategy all season and yet won the National League West by 15 1/2 games.
``If Barry was hitting behind himself, he wouldn't get pitched to,'' teammate Rich Aurilia said. ``Why would somebody pitch to him in the postseason if they don't even pitch to him in the regular season?''
Added Giants Manager Felipe Alou: ``I believe people should change the strategy -- next year. Not now. I'll take it anytime to win by'' 15 1/2 games ``when they don't pitch to one guy on our club.''
It works fine if you can get everyone else out. Otherwise, you're just increasing your opponents run potential.