When a player gets traded to a new team, there's a tendency to press in an attempt to prove oneself to new teammates and fans. Based on Thursday night's game, Ken Griffey Jr. seems to be falling into that trap.
I'm certainly not in Griffey's mind, but he was overswinging big time at the junk offered up by Detroit pitcher Zach Miner in Thursday's 8-3 Tigers victory.
Griffey struck out his first two times up, including once with the bases loaded and one out. He was clearly trying to hit a grand slam, trying to please a big crowd that was on its feet cheering for him.
In truth, a base hit or even a sacrifice fly would have been fine.
Junior needs to remember the Sox have been in first place for most of the season without him. Thus, he does not need to be the savior. He just needs to do what he's done all year for Cincinnati, and that will be good enough.
There are plenty of good hitters on the Sox. Griffey should not feel as though he needs to carry the team. Junior, relax and let the game come to you.
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