Dear Mike Scioscia;

Why isn't Tim Salmon getting more playing time?

You have only played him in one of the last five games. In that game (Sat. May 6 at Toronto) he went 2-3 with a HR and showed once again that he STILL can hit (see Rev.'s post from a few days ago.)

Although he is batting .273; (17 hits in 62 AB's) he is 2nd on the team in slugging percentage (behind Vlad ;) for those players with at least 30 AB's and he is consistently driving the ball. He has 4 HR in limited playing time. Wouldn't you think he'd have more like eight or nine with any consistent PT?

You yourself have praised his great bat speed while bemoaning the team's lack of offensive production. Juan Rivera has returned and you recently said "he's a big part of what our offense needs, but it is going to take more than Juan."

Yes, Murphy has hit well, but he doesn't provide power and King Fish does. Are you and Stoneman afraid that his production will excite fans and compel you to offer him a one-year contract again next year (which you obviously don't want to do?)?

Whatever you and Bill are thinking, I don't understand it. This team needs offense and Salmon is one of the few guys on the team who has been driving the ball.

Yes, I know he's in the line-up tonight, but that won't make a difference if you sit him for the next three games.