[lex24]

Hey Teejers if Slater hadn't gone to Stanford would you feel the same way?

I obviously root for him more because he went to Stanford (Belt did not, though, and I defend him pretty vigorously in these parts, too).
The thing about Slater is (a) he has the athleticism/tools to be an excellent defensive player - he is now merely good on D, and (b) he has an electric bat - his bat speed generates more power than you'd expect just looking at the guy (including RC field gap power).  I'm partial to those attributes . . . which is also why the Estrada (I'm just going to call him "Erik") kid looks very intriguing.

Slater is a right handed version of Nate Schierholtz.  Both are/were certainly good enough to play in the big leagues but neither is/was good enough to be a regular in the starting lineup.  There is no shame in being a platoon guy.  Heck, when he is on, Slater is rock solid v. left handers (against lefties, his OPS is .185 better than v. right-handers).

Career: 

Slater 831 PA, 22 HR, .246 BA and .717 OPS
Schierholtz 1316 PA, 23 HR, .270 BA and .729 OPS (as a Giant)

They share another trait - injuries.  Nate (a local guy I rooted for) would have streaks where he looked terrific and others were he looked like a AAAA Player.  Like Slater he could run a bit.  But sooner or later he’d get hurt. Slater has yet to prove he can be effective, even just in a full platoon, over a season.  Last year was by far his best. But he only played 31 games. 

I root for him.  Not, actually, because of the Stanford connection.  But because he brings some speed to a team that is slower than mud overall.  Stole a run Sunday by advancing from first on a fly ball to deep center. He also leads the team in stolen bases.  Not that anyone notices that oh so yesterday stat anymore. Except the Pads. They actually have a running game. What a concept.  

Slater had been 4-41.  With 1 walk. I think he would have been optioned had Tauchman not got hurt. Simply to give Slater 40 ABs in 10 games so he could find his stroke.

I read before his big HR Sat, Posey spoke to him. Said when he gets jumpy he concentrates on hitting the ball towards the first base dugout.  Which I’m sure just helps him from jumping at the pitch by staying back longer and thinking opposite field.  Slater said it helped.  He was thinking opposite field.  Waited nicely and did his work on a hanging curve.

I like Slater.  He's fast (23/26, steals/attempts lifetime).  He does really well against left handed pitching.  Does better when he takes the first pitch. He does better as a PH than in the field, and hits better when he's a late inning replacement.  Bats best when he's in the 7th batting position.  Does much better on the road than at home, until this year when he's performed better at home.  Had a breakout year last year, then fell back considerably this year. He's been a slightly better than average fielder (range over his career).

I also like Slater.  But I think you overstate a bit.  He does fine against lefties. Really well is a stretch. EDIT - his numbers are good against lefties. Better than fine. Definitely good. But last year he played 31 games. So he had a good month essentially. That’s not a breakout year. It’s a breakout month.  I have yet to see him show any consistency.  Or the ability to play through a season. Good to see him snap out of his funk.

[lex24]

Hey Teejers if Slater hadn't gone to Stanford would you feel the same way?

I obviously root for him more because he went to Stanford (Belt did not, though, and I defend him pretty vigorously in these parts, too).
The thing about Slater is (a) he has the athleticism/tools to be an excellent defensive player - he is now merely good on D, and (b) he has an electric bat - his bat speed generates more power than you'd expect just looking at the guy (including RC field gap power).  I'm partial to those attributes . . . which is also why the Estrada (I'm just going to call him "Erik") kid looks very intriguing.

Slater is a right handed version of Nate Schierholtz.  Both are/were certainly good enough to play in the big leagues but neither is/was good enough to be a regular in the starting lineup.  There is no shame in being a platoon guy.  Heck, when he is on, Slater is rock solid v. left handers (against lefties, his OPS is .185 better than v. right-handers).

Career: 

Slater 831 PA, 22 HR, .246 BA and .717 OPS
Schierholtz 1316 PA, 23 HR, .270 BA and .729 OPS (as a Giant)

They share another trait - injuries.  Nate (a local guy I rooted for) would have streaks where he looked terrific and others were he looked like a AAAA Player.  Like Slater he could run a bit.  But sooner or later he’d get hurt. Slater has yet to prove he can be effective, even just in a full platoon, over a season.  Last year was by far his best. But he only played 31 games. 

I root for him.  Not, actually, because of the Stanford connection.  But because he brings some speed to a team that is slower than mud overall.  Stole a run Sunday by advancing from first on a fly ball to deep center. He also leads the team in stolen bases.  Not that anyone notices that oh so yesterday stat anymore. Except the Pads. They actually have a running game. What a concept.  

Slater had been 4-41.  With 1 walk. I think he would have been optioned had Tauchman not got hurt. Simply to give Slater 40 ABs in 10 games so he could find his stroke.

I read before his big HR Sat, Posey spoke to him. Said when he gets jumpy he concentrates on hitting the ball towards the first base dugout.  Which I’m sure just helps him from jumping at the pitch by staying back longer and thinking opposite field.  Slater said it helped.  He was thinking opposite field.  Waited nicely and did his work on a hanging curve.

I like Slater.  He's fast (23/26, steals/attempts lifetime).  He does really well against left handed pitching.  Does better when he takes the first pitch. He does better as a PH than in the field, and hits better when he's a late inning replacement.  Bats best when he's in the 7th batting position.  Does much better on the road than at home, until this year when he's performed better at home.  Had a breakout year last year, then fell back considerably this year. He's been a slightly better than average fielder (range over his career).

I also like Slater.  But I think you overstate a bit.  He does fine against lefties. Really well is a stretch. EDIT - his numbers are good against lefties. Better than fine. Definitely good. But last year he played 31 games. So he had a good month essentially. That’s not a breakout year. It’s a breakout month.  I have yet to see him show any consistency.  Or the ability to play through a season. Good to see him snap out of his funk.