I see plenty of comments to keep pushing him down in the order and I don't know how that "fixes" Hamilton. Maybe it just keeps him out of situational hitting.
Here's a thought...MOVE HIM UP TO #2. My reasoning is this:
- Mike Trout is .390 OBP in May and Scioscia seems to be giving him more of a green light
- Hamilton has been a disaster with off speed out of the strike zone.
- With Trout on base in front of Hamilton, the opposing pitcher will need to choose: throw off speed and basically give Trout 2B or keep Trout in check by sticking to fastballs.
- Perhaps the result is Hamilton facing less off speed and more fastballs giving him a chance to get back into a confident groove.
Now, please flame away.