Any info on Thad Griffin?

[CajunAmos]

I also think the two are different style hitters. I think Griffin was used to being able to pull all the pitchers he saw in high school, so that's what he did. In college, you need to be able to take what the pitcher throws and hit outside pitches to the opposite field. I think Scott Hawkins had the same issue as a freshman. I think Goulas (and Lucroy) already had the swings to handle pitches in all zones. Just my thought.

[rgncjn12]

_ I also think the two are different style hitters. I think Griffin was used to being able to pull all the pitchers he saw in high school, so that's what he did. In college, you need to be able to take what the pitcher throws and hit outside pitches to the opposite field. I think Scott Hawkins had the same issue as a freshman. I think Goulas (and Lucroy) already had the swings to handle pitches in all zones. Just my thought. _

Amos,

I agree with all you said. Their are many outside factors to hitting besides "if you can hit you can hit" but I just used my examples purely on numbers. I think another big reason Griffin had a tough year is everyone knows how he got sick and never recovered and lost alot of weight and strength. I think he will become a good player, I just dont see him being another Lucroy type hitter.

GEAUX UL!

[CajunAmos]

Looking at the young guys on the team, we appear to have a number of guys who can hit for average. I'm kind of hoping that Griffen can become a Justing Hemme type hitter (270-300 avg. 15-20 HR), and a great catcher (minimal errors, throw out 70% base runners and call a great game). Maybe I'm dreaming, but I'm OK with that.

[CajunRage]

Easy, just look at this year's club. Who carried us at the end and had all the big hits. MATT GOULAS.

He struggled at first but turned it on to finish strong.

.288avg 7HR 31RBI .425Slugging .350OBP

GEAUX UL!

I'm not hammering Goulas here, but he did it for one year. To add to my previous post, he may have a hole in his swing that no one has found yet. He could hit sub .200 for the next 3 years. I was looking for someone other than Lucroy that set the world on fire for 4 straight years.

I know it's a different sport, but a guy named Michael Jordan wasn't too hot in his early years.

[rgncjn12]

_ I'm not hammering Goulas here, but he did it for one year. To add to my previous post, he may have a hole in his swing that no one has found yet. He could hit sub .200 for the next 3 years. I was looking for someone other than Lucroy that set the world on fire for 4 straight years.

I know it's a different sport, but a guy named Michael Jordan wasn't too hot in his early years. _

Jeffries Tatford did it.

04 .188 (3-16) Griffen had 3times as many ABs and hit only .136
05 .335 3 32 .503 .412
06 .336 4 38 .481 .426
07 .351 10 46 .585 .484

[Cajuns78]

He hit .188 as a freshman.

[rgncjn12]

_ He hit .188 as a freshman. _

I fixed my post.

Notice Griffen had 3 times as many at bats as a freshman. Tatford didnt have near the chance as a Freshman as Griffen did.

I'd be willing to bet my paycheck Griffen doesnt have equal to or better numbers then Tatford in 3 years.

[CajunRage]

Jeffries Tatford did it.

04 .188 (3-16) Griffen had 3times as many ABs and hit only .136
05 .335 3 32 .503 .412
06 .336 4 38 .481 .426
07 .351 10 46 .585 .484

Did what? He had 16 at bats and hit .188. Hate to break it to you, but 45 at bats isn't much more (20% of a normal season). Again, name someone other than Lucroy that hit .300+ for all four years.

I'm not trying to talk down of these other players. I'm trying to get everyone off griffin's back. Give him a chance.

[rgncjn12]

_ Did what? He had 16 at bats and hit .188. Hate to break it to you, but 45 at bats isn't much more (20% of a normal season). Again, name someone other than Lucroy that hit .300+ for all four years.

I'm not trying to talk down of these other players. I'm trying to get everyone off griffin's back. Give him a chance. _

This is what I could find:

Corey Coles only played 2 years at UL before going pro.
02 .368 6 45
03 .371 9 45
Not to mention he was a very good pitcher also.

Dallas Morris
02 .264 7 32
03 .299 3 26
04 .373 12 51
05 .357 12 68

So its clear to see we have had numerous kids come in and contribute as Freshman that didnt have half the hype Griffin came in with.

Anyway you slice it .136 as a Freshman with all the hype is a dissappointment. And he had a problem of not catching the ball.

GEAUX UL!

[MetryCajun]

_ Lucroy was one of the best ever to be a cajun, and he had no struggles as a freshman.

.379 avg 5HR 48RBI .544Slugging .427OBP

If you can hit you may struggle to start your freshman year, but you figure it out quickly. Its true if you can hit you can hit!

GEAUX UL! _

I generally agree with the if you can hit you can hit statement. But lets wait another year before we give up on him. I seem to remember a horrible hitting catcher (Morgan) who was a good hitter his SR year. Lets hope we do not have to wait that long for Griffen to improve.