What are your thoughts on Pudge so far?

[moochman]

Looks like he can't catch up to the high fastball this year. This is a huge concern given how much he has changed this year. A couple weeks ago he was hitting .325, now .275ish.

Is he just slumping or has his weight loss/steroid vacation zapped him of the strength to get around on high heat?

Is he already wearing down? Did he lose too much weight?

Or is he just slumping and will start mashing the ball around like the Pudge of old?

[Cornbread Maxwell]

Im assuming its just a slump at this point Mooch.

[Dannomyte]

Pudge is the last person I'm worried about on the Tigers. He has hit his whole career so I highly doubt a 2 week slump is anything to worry about. This slump is not a strength issue. It's not like every out he gets is a pop fly to the outfield. He just doesn't look very patient at the plate right now. Look at his K/BB (26/3) ratio so far this season. He will be fine. If his weight loss drops his offensive production output a little but keeps him as a defensive monster in July, August and September I'm 100% ok with that. Last year was painful to watch him trying to catch games in the 2nd half.

[SaintsOfTheDiamond]

I haven't seen the Tigers play this year, but if his problem is getting around on the FB I wouldn't think that would be a steroid issue, would it? I don't know if he was or wasn't, but hopefully he's just slumping like a lot of top players.

[mcqfesijiba]

My vote is also for a slump, but I really hope he comes out of it soon. He's one guy we can't afford to have slump.

[cmchampa2]

Pudge is the last guy to worry about. As long as he's healthy, he'll be a great offensive and defensive catcher. Even in slumps, he's all hustle and a great leader and game-caller.