Why Don't Our Guys Do This?

Check out where David Eckstein sets up on this Rich Hill pitch.

Take a closer look at that left forearm.

So is it any surprise that he was hit by a pitch that was over the plate?

That white blur in front of Michael Barrett's mask is the ball, with Eckstein retracting just far enough to absorb a glancing blow with his forearm for a free trip to first base. It looks like his toes are outside the batter's box as well.

When you need baserunners, does it really matter how they get there? In six-plus seasons, Eckstein is already at 101 hit-by-pitches. A lengthy career could put him near where Craig Biggio will eventually wind up. Biggio trails all-time leader Hughie Jennings (287) by eight.