Poor Andrew Knapp.
First this season, he went from a supposed sharing of catching duties to watching Jorge Alfaro take over as the starter. Then he endured a lengthy stretch where he struggled, going 10 for 65 with but a lone triple to show for it. Since May 30, though, he’s batted a very productive .305/.382/.627 with four home runs and eleven RBI. One of those home runs was an almost heroic game winner against Washington.
WALK OFF HOME RUN De Andrew Knapp para fechar a série em 3-1 num jogo épico: 4-3 de virada!#BeBold pic.twitter.com/cYIvEOsgVF
— Philly Nola In Brazil ⚾️ (@phillyinbrazil) July 1, 2018
However, these last few days have seen the other side of Knapp, the more harrowing side.
His baserunning.
What are some adjectives we could use to describe it? “Harrowing”, as I just said? “Adventurous”? “Lacking”? Whatever you want to call it, it has left a lot to be desired, especially since they could have backfired tremendously. First was the other night in New York where Knapp was trying make things happen. He wanted to go first to third on an infield hit, but ended up making the third out in the inning at third base when Jose R*yes faked a throw to first and got Knapp in a rundown. This in a game the Phillies would lose in extra innings.
Andrew Knapp what in this WORLD are you doing
— The Good Phight (@TheGoodPhight) July 12, 2018
I can help you, Twitter responders! In the words of the knight in Indiana Jones,
Then there was last night, again, Knapp was a little too aggressive.
On a pinch single in the ninth, Knapp decided to go to second but at the last minute thought better of it. It was too late, as shortstop J.T. Riddle relayed a throw from right field back to first base to easily nab Knapp and end a threat. Luckily, the Phillies would win the game, but Twitter was a-fire with takes about Knapp and his baserunning prowess (search for them yourself - you probably wrote one).
Luckily for us, Knapp was also aware of how well he has been doing on the bases lately, posting this later at night.
When I’m on the bases... #BeBold pic.twitter.com/n9B04zgD76
— Andrew Knapp (@theknappyboy5) July 14, 2018
What’s this, a professional athlete able to recognize his own foibles and poke fun at it? Certainly, Philadelphia would never suffer such nonsense. We expect stoicism from our athletes. “Put your head down and run the bases correctly!” they usually shout.
This was even the best response of the night to this. Knapp later responded to someone’s joke about it later on as well.
— Andrew Knapp (@theknappyboy5) July 14, 2018
Then one of his teammates decided to get in on the act.
— Zach Eflin (@zeflin12) July 14, 2018
It’s refreshing that Knapp is able to see his own problems lately. He’ll no doubt learn from his mistakes, but for now, let’s just be happy he’s able to poke fun at himself for messing up twice in one week. I salute you and your humor, Mr. Knapp!*
*just stop running into outs.