SAN FRANCISCO — Consider it the September reminder. Before Tuesday’s game, manager Jim Tracy held a team meeting to stress the importance of a better offensive approach.
The number of strikeouts were alarming — 45 through the first four games on the road trip. He cited specific examples of players who grind out at-bats, like Todd Helton, as the model to follow. The point? Take what the pitcher gives you — in other words, don’t swing so big — and make contact to put pressure on the defense.
“We (knew) this was a big series, and I think we were pressing a little bit,” third baseman Ian Stewart said. “You can’t go up there trying to hit the five- run home run. Just get the barrel on the ball, and good things will happen.”
Tracy saw improvement Tuesday despite nine more K’s in the loss. Still, he returned to his traditional lineup Wednesday, starting Brad Hawpe in right field and Clint Barmes at second base.
“I wanted to go back to the guys who helped bring us to the dance,” Tracy said. “We need more from them. We need Hawpe to be the guy who was in the All-Star Game.”
Barmes believes he benefited from his two-day rest. He has hit .200 since June 18, but disagreed with the perception that he has become power-happy.
“I am not up there looking for the home run. I am just trying to catch up to a pitch,” Barmes said. “I am glad to get back in there, because this is the reason you play, games like this.”
Jimenez legs it out.
Tuesday, Ubaldo Jimenez was not at his best. But, he insisted, it had nothing to do with his health. His left hamstring was fine.
“I didn’t even notice it,” said Jimenez, who allowed seven runs in 2 2/3 innings, undermined by spotty command and poor defense. “But after the second hitter, I was able to throw strikes. I was just a little bit rusty. It’s disappointing because of the position we are in right now.”
It won’t get any easier. Jimenez faces Arizona ace Dan Haren on Sunday.
Street looks good.
Huston Street threw a strong bullpen session Wednesday, and will next face hitters Friday. If that goes well, he is expected to pitch Sunday against the Diamondbacks, though not in the closer’s role initially.
