Actually, Jon Knott got his first major-league start on Sunday in a Padres win over Milwaukee, but I was distracted by the two Wichita State losses that day (and then by the draft stuff earlier this week). Knott struck out swinging in the 2nd inning, grounded to third in the 4th, and drew a walk in the 6th before being replaced by pinch-runner Kerry Robinson.
Knott hasn't played since. He's got a total of 5 at-bats all year. Meanwhile, the starting left fielder for San Diego tonight is Terrence Long, who's hitting a weak .292 (.342 OBP, .400 SLG, zero homers). Xavier Nady is DH'ing. Why on earth is Bruce Bochy blowing at-bats on Terrence Long, a replacement-level player, and treating Jon Knott, a potential standout, like his personal potted plant? I've rooted for Bochy since he managed the Wichita Wranglers, but he's starting to piss me off.
Matthew Namee cofounded The Hardball Times in 2004, when he was working as the assistant to baseball author and Red Sox executive Bill James. Matthew still lives in Kansas, where he is currently pursuing a law degree. He can be reached at mfnamee [at] gmail [dot] com.
