I watch Counsell like I used to watch Yount

[NYChez]

Forget about his lack of power, speed, and other "tools".

 

I am just in awe of how many things Counsell does right.

 

Every at bat he takes a perfect approach. If he's leading off an inning, he will take pitches unless there's a pitch exactly in his zone. With guys on base he will patiently wait for his pitch and take a chance and rip it. Counsell just never gives away an at bat.

 

In the field, Counsell plays three of the most difficult positions in baseball pretty much flawlessly.

 

On the bases, Counsell never makes a mistake.

 

Minus a little speed, power, the beautiful swing, and the porn stache, and Counsell is the 21st century version of Robin Yount - the guy you watch if you want to learn the proper way to play baseball.

[craigharmann]

Counsell is the 21st century version of Robin Yount

I guess if you want to learn to play the game right, but you could look at any of the players from the Brewers in the 80's. Robin Yount is in the Hall of Fame. The only way Counsell is getting to the Hall of Fame is to buy a ticket.

[Godspeed]

Oh God, Counsell is our Eckstein...

 

You're right, he does play the game the "right" way. But I could never stand watching him play, primarily because it's meant that a better player is on the bench. He's had a good season this year, and I don't begrudge him for the success he's had, but sooner or later the other shoe is going to drop. I'll be happy if it doesn't though.

[DHonks]

What makes Counsell great (not in a HOF way) is that he plays with constant energy, takes pride in his defense, and is selfless. His talent level isn't high, but--like Eckstein--he maxes out his ability. The anti-Counsell in my mind was always Belliard. Belly had more power and skills, but was often frustrating to watch because he was more focused on the wad in his mouth than defense and execution.

[tigerbrew]

Yeah, Counsell has been awesome this year. Seems like since his altered batting stance in preseason, his batting has improved greatly.

[Oldcity]

As great as it is that he's hitting this well, isn't part of you irritated that he didn't give up that lightning rod batting stance a few years ago?

[phxMILWfan]

I don't understand how anyone could dislike Counsell. The guy came out before the season and said that if he is playing a lot something is wrong. It's not like he came back trying to take playing time away from other players. We had injuries and he stepped up. He is out playing his contract. He does everything he can to help the team. I enjoyed watching him in Arizona and I hope he comes back next year.

[Menotti80]

counsell would be about 4th in my brewers MVP voting this year... which is a heck of a lot higher than I would have predicted in April.

[owbc]

He's the 3rd best hitter on the team this year behind Braun and Fielder.

[JohnBriggs12]

As great as it is that he's hitting this well, isn't part of you irritated that he didn't give up that lightning rod batting stance a few years ago?

Great point. As a Brewer he hit .241 (with 88 K's in 04), .220 in 07 and .226 in 08. They sure could have used this version in those years.

[joepepsi]

I hope they make the World Series just so Tim McCarver can tell the World Counsell in the Brewers MVP!

[thebruce44]

He's the 3rd best hitter on the team this year behind Braun and Fielder.

How do you figure that?

He is behind Fielder, Braun, McGehee, Weeks, and Cameron in OPS in which half of his games have been at 3rd base where his defense is somewhat negated.

Also, I wouldn't be suprised if Hart and Lopez catch him by the end of the season.

[pitchleague]

Also, I wouldn't be suprised if Hart and Lopez catch him by the end of the season.

I think you stated this incorrectly. For Hart to catch him by the end of the season, that implies that Counsell will stand pat and Hart will heat up immensely and catch him (Lopez is already there). I think it's more likely that Counsell drops down to Hart's output. Although Hart has had a "decent" July (.821 OPS) so I suppose he could catch Counsell.