There is no denying that Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers is in the midst of an extended slump. It started a few games after his unequaled effort of nine home runs over six games that prompted his bat being sent to the Hall of Fame. The slump started on May 17 because that was his first hit-less game after the home run surge and it also knocked him out of the .400 orbit. Since that time he is 20 for 86 or .232 over 22 games. His decline in June is worse as he is 8 for 40 in those 10 games. He has managed to launch 4 more home runs in that 22 game span but there is no denying that Hamilton is off his game.
What is it that causes a player to fall at such a rate after enjoying a hot streak or impressive power display? Is it that Hamilton is human after all? Or did someone slip Superman some Kryptonite? Does the body expend so much energy in such an impressive power display that it takes time to get back on track? Is it a matter of bio-rhythms? Is it like a blizzard after a record warm stretch in the winter? We know that streaks are part of the game but it is the nature of the streak that puzzles me. I touched on it with both the hot and cold streaks of Pedro Alvarez and am no closer to reaching an answer.
The season isn't even half way over so hopefully Hamilton still has one or two more impressive offensive streaks left before October.
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