Washington Nationals’ Ian Desmond in a position to outwit pitchers, hints Davey Johnson - MLB Update
Ian Desmond outfoxes the Milwaukee Brewers’ starter Livan Hernandez by slamming him for a home-run after he kept him guessing about his intent in a number of pitches before. Desmond played mind games and subtly brought Hernandez to a level where the starter
became predictable.
As soon as Desmond realised that he has demoralised Hernandez, he was ready for smacking a home-run and did exactly what he planned in his mind. After the match Desmond walked up to Davey Johnson, the Nationals’ manager, and told him about how he outthought
Hernandez in the game.
Johnson believes Desmond is in a perfect position right now to perform consistently as he has learnt the art of forcing hurlers to throw pitches which will easily be struck for home-runs.
Johnson will be pinning high hopes on him in the crucial games ahead.
As the post-season gets close, Desmond has an excellent opportunity to stand out while the spotlight prevails. By using his current form, he can supply a stock of home-runs to the team and lead the Nationals to glory this year.
It is necessary for Washington to have all their players in top-notch form at this stage of the season. A weakness in any area can easily mean that the whole edifice of splendid performances they built up during the season, shatters in a matter of minutes.
The fact Desmond demonstrated skills at the plate the other day puts light on his preparations and shows how lethal he can turn out to be for the opponents.
Johnson comments on the order which Desmond expected by the hurlers as they threw their pitches.
"I'm sure Desi knew every sequence that was coming," Davey said. "Slow hook, high fastball, slider, when he's coming in. I told [former Orioles' teammate Jim] Palmer that, I said, 'I know how you pitch. I'm going to wear you out,' and the first time I faced
him in Spring Training I hit one over the light tower in New Orleans. And Darold Knowles. You just know. Darold Knowles was similar to Livo, all kinds of tricky pitches, setting up different pitches."
If Desmond can continue outwitting pitchers in the upcoming games, he will be unstoppable with regard to striking clean hits.
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