[russrex2424]

I know that the tigers havent played many good teams yet but does anyone see shelton keeping up his hitting rate

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by russrex2424

I know that the tigers havent played many good teams yet but does anyone see shelton keeping up his hitting rate

Nope!...But with this start and based on what he did last year...35-40 homers are not out of the question.

[legend]

Until the pitchers find a hole in his swing, he will put up these numbers. Then it is his turn to adjust.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by legend

Until the pitchers find a hole in his swing, he will put up these numbers. Then it is his turn to adjust.

Reminds me of a story my dad once told me...an old baseball manager told it to him...seems like there was a rookie pitcher that the manager had instructed on how to pitch to Ted Williams...he told him to throw him nothing but over hand curves...the pitcher asked, "Is this the way I can dominate him?"...the manager said, "no, this is so he will only hit doubles off of you."...some players don't have holes in their swings...unfortunately Chris probably does...

[klosterj]

Shelton has a great minor league track record, but I don't think he was ever projected to be a 40 HR player. On top of that, I wouldn't project anyone to do that playing half of their games in Detroit.

[MJHMarc]

Is Detroit a hitting-friendly park? I haven't been to that ballpark, yet.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

Is Detroit a hitting-friendly park? I haven't been to that ballpark, yet.

Nope!...Pitcher's park...Juan Gonzalez hated the place...his balls would die at the warning track

[russrex2424]

true when juan played here it was completely a pithchers park, but after he left they moved the fences in so now it is a little more hitter friendly

[MVB]

Yeah, everyone complained when they played last year's Home Run Derby in Detroit's park, because the place was so large and unfriendly to hitters!

[MLBNY]

This sounds alot like what happened with Brian Roberts last year. He started off hot, with something like 8 HR in the first month or so. Then he cooled down and ended up only hitting 18 for the whole season. I wouldn't be surprised to see Shelton end up with a HR total around the high 20s.

[Lefty Noob]

Welcome to GoTeamsGo, MLBNY, and thanks for joining us!

I tend to agree that Shelton's numbers are a fluke. How long till you think he starts to cool off?

[MLBNY]

it's been a while since your reply but since he has cooled down.

[legend]

Shelton is still hitting .345 on April 28th, with 10 homers and 20 RBI, but he has struck out 25 times in 83 at bats. He is not a fluke though. Nobody could keep up the pace he was on, but I will bet he ends up with close to 40 home runs. He hit .300 last year in 388 at bats with 22 homers, and he is only 25 years old. He will get to know the pitchers, and they will get to know him. It would be nice to see the Tigers become a factor again, like when I was a kid. Hopefully, Jim Leyland hangs around long enough to make them into a threat.