The White Sox broadcasters were the latest media members to be treated to the Jose Bautista show. The Toronto slugger went 5-for-10 with a home run and three RBIs in the first three games of the Blue Jays-White Sox series this weekend, leaving Chicago’s TV team impressed. In fact, Bautista impressed the team of Hawk Harrelson and Steve Stone so much, it left Harrelson saying “If you didn’t know better, you’d say [his bat] had a little cork in it.”
Here’s the audio from the Hawk:
[audio:https://larrybrownsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/HawkHarrelsonJoseBautistacork.mp3|titles=HawkHarrelsonJoseBautistacork]
I know Hawk qualified his statement by saying “If you didn’t know any better,” but he’s still throwing it out there that Bautista is hitting the ball harder than everyone else, and he’s suggesting something may be up. Many people have suspected Bautista of using PEDs, and given the amount of successful major leaguers who have been busted over time, that wouldn’t totally be unfair.
The point is people have been looking to explain Jose Bautista’s evolution into the best hitter in the game. Last year I thought he was a fluke, but now I believe that he’s morphed into a slugger. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out he were using some substances.
Now Hawk’s throwing it out there that if you didn’t know any better, you’d say he’s corking his bat. Well Hawk, if you know better, then why did you suggest it? That to me sounds like someone so impressed you don’t believe what you’re seeing, and that you don’t think it’s natural. You might as well say he’s getting injections in the tunnel to the clubhouse between innings. If you don’t think he’s doing it, then don’t throw it out there.
What do you think, is it possible he’s doing something like that?
High five to Eye on Baseball and The National Post for the tip
