David Eckstein is awesome

June 6, 2:34 PMSan Diego Padres ExaminerJudson Green

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You don't mess with the Eckstein.

I don't think David Eckstein is a good player. Not even average. There, I said it. He's a pretty poor hitter, and nothing more than an average fielder, albeit at a key defensive position. Not really a demon on the basepaths either. But I love him anyway.

I love the way he looks so tiny compared to the other players on the field, as though he's a bat boy thrown in there as a desperation move.

I love the way he chokes up on his bat, as though he came straight out of the deadball era. Just shortens up his swing and tries to hit 'em where they ain't.

I love those beautiful bunts he lays down. Were he gifted with more speed, he could probably get a lot of leg hits on those babies. But just watching them is fun, as he places them in such a perfect spot. Even if he can't outrun the throw, he's going to make it difficult for the defense. Teams don't win championships because they work on their bunting, but it's still nice that people like Eckstein are keeping a dying art alive.

I loved the way he stayed in the game on a May 21 matchup against the Giants and hobbled up to first after fouling two balls off his left leg in the bottom of the eighth, took a hit from Pablo Sandoval, who is 75 pounds heavier, at least according to Baseball Reference, at second base in the top of the ninth, and got plunked on the left arm to drive in the tying run in the bottom of the ninth, before the Padres won it on a Scott Hairston single. John Wayne never knew true grit like that.

I love how he's leading the Padres in doubles. Yeah. Isn't it amazing? Eleven doubles, team leader. Guys who are 5'6", 170 lbs (yeah right) and choke up on the bat don't lead teams in doubles. Except David Eckstein. Because he's awesome.