Sal Licata recently expressed his frustration with Juan Soto’s approach at the plate during a critical moment in a game.
.@sal_licata calls out Juan Soto for looking for walks in big spots: pic.twitter.com/fmtAFnhfTi
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) April 11, 2024
Let’s break it down:
– Context: In the bottom of the ninth inning, with two outs and two runners on base, Juan Soto stepped up to the plate. The situation was tense, and the game hung in the balance.
– Juan Soto’s Reputation: Soto is known for his disciplined eye and ability to draw walks. He consistently ranks among the league leaders in bases on balls.
– Sal Licata’s Take: Sal Licata, however, wasn’t pleased. He felt that Soto’s focus on taking a walk was misplaced. Instead of patiently waiting for a base on balls, Sal wanted Soto to swing the bat and aim for a hit. According to Sal, “A walk is not as good as a hit.”
– The Challenge: Sal emphasized that in a crucial situation like this, Soto needed to be aggressive. With Aaron Judge struggling and the pitcher on the ropes, Soto had an opportunity to make a difference. Sal’s message to Soto: “You’re Juan Soto. You need to do damage there, not draw a walk.”
– Soto’s Performance: It’s worth noting that Soto has already made an impact this season, boasting a batting average of .360 and an impressive 1.008 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage).
– The Bottom Line: Sal’s critique centers on the idea that Soto should be more than just a patient hitter. When the game hangs in the balance, he should be swinging for the fences, not just trying to get on base.
So, in terms of baseball strategy, Sal Licata wants Juan Soto to channel his inner power hitter and swing away when the stakes are high. Whether Soto takes this advice to heart remains to be seen.
Fans reacted as follows:
Sal has consistently had some of the worst takes for more than a decade. Pretty amazing to see that type of determination.
— Yankeesource (@YankeeSource) April 11, 2024
This clip perfectly encapsulates the death of WFAN and the entire sports talk radio genre
— Mid-Spring Beat Up (@j11evin) April 11, 2024
Sal walking into the studio everyday
— SLAM CENTRAL STATION (@SlamCentralNYY) April 11, 2024
Why did this horrible take make me so angry! Just saying shit just for the heck of it. Walked to bring up Judge… who cares if he’s struggling… he’s Aaron freaking Judge. I have, what I believe are very well thought out opions whether people agree or not… but this is garbage.
— Cameron Maybin (@CameronMaybin) April 12, 2024
😂 I’ve seen bad takes we all deliver them but it’s impressive you guys even thought of this. Bravo.
— Gary Sheffield Jr. (@GarysheffieldJr) April 11, 2024
The pitches that Sal wants Soto to swing at pic.twitter.com/xFGMbkOixG
— Jacob P.M.🌔 (@JacobBSpeaks) April 11, 2024
If he walks…… he clearly didn’t get good pitches. This is what’s wrong with radio hosts who never played and think they can sit behind a mic and be an expert.
— Hammer 🔨 (@AJPISANO) April 11, 2024
He got good pitches lol that wasn't the issue. pic.twitter.com/A4VwBkkauM
— Patman (@JonathonVillar) April 11, 2024
The man has the best eye in baseball since Barry fucking Bonds if he didn't swing it's because he didn't have something to hit and that's the end of the story.
— Haui Memo (@HauiMemo) April 12, 2024
Hi Sal. This is real life baseball. Not a cliche movie. Please never speak on the sport again until you have even a remote clue about what you’re discussing
— Gerry DeFilippo (@Challenger_ST) April 11, 2024
Sal wants him to swing at pitches in the dirt and off the plate I guess. Dudes literally the worst person on the radio. Can’t even listen to the mid day anymore
— The Giants Report (@giantsreport1) April 11, 2024
This is the most mind numbing take I’ve heard in a long time
— Brandon (@yankee_brain) April 11, 2024
Trying to grasp this…
Juan Soto, with arguably the best hitter in baseball behind him, should swing at bad pitches to avoid taking a walk…….. 😬— michael j. babcock (@mikejbabcock) April 11, 2024
Well this didn't take long…better get used to it because it doesn't get any better lol. Soto is an incredible player but man he can be frustrating in high leverage spots at times!! 🤣🤣🤷♂️🤷♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
— Adam G (ADHDrunsme) (@ADHDrunsme858) April 11, 2024
