Redsfan1507
It is what it is
Devils advocate on Hatcher holding runner with 2 outs: baseball 101 says never make the first or last out at the plate- there were 2 outs...that said, a good 3b coach has to be cognizant of not only the runners ability, but the split second timing of the play, who has the ball and what kind of arm he has... And on a team with limited scoring opportunities, the likelihood of the next guy getting a 2 out hit. BP might have had differing views on some of those things than Hatcher.
101 says you never start the runner at 3b on an unforced pulled ball to 3b/SS either. Often, that's initially not the 3b coach, it's lack of preparation/ understanding of the situation by a baserunner...a brainfart that results in a wasted runner 90 feet from being a run.
No one notices a good 3b coach, but everyone notices a bad one.
A 5-1 start especially against the Pirates is a good start, any way you slice it. Now, the goal should be .500 on the road, but against the Cubs and Cardinals, I'd be satisfied winning 1 game from each, and not looking terrible doing it.
IMO, the days of pitching being ahead of hitting in early season is over. ST more than ever, has become less about getting in real game shape than just going through the motions and not getting injured. Breaking balls may not break/ not as tough to hit in the cold, but they don't travel as far unless they are aided by wind...Chicago is windy, but not at all sure our Reds pitching is more ready than the Cubs.
I do love how these Reds hitters are taking the breaking ball oppage. Not just a cold weather or shift strategy, but a fundamentals must if you want regular baserunners. The Cardinals do that very well.
101 says you never start the runner at 3b on an unforced pulled ball to 3b/SS either. Often, that's initially not the 3b coach, it's lack of preparation/ understanding of the situation by a baserunner...a brainfart that results in a wasted runner 90 feet from being a run.
No one notices a good 3b coach, but everyone notices a bad one.
A 5-1 start especially against the Pirates is a good start, any way you slice it. Now, the goal should be .500 on the road, but against the Cubs and Cardinals, I'd be satisfied winning 1 game from each, and not looking terrible doing it.
IMO, the days of pitching being ahead of hitting in early season is over. ST more than ever, has become less about getting in real game shape than just going through the motions and not getting injured. Breaking balls may not break/ not as tough to hit in the cold, but they don't travel as far unless they are aided by wind...Chicago is windy, but not at all sure our Reds pitching is more ready than the Cubs.
I do love how these Reds hitters are taking the breaking ball oppage. Not just a cold weather or shift strategy, but a fundamentals must if you want regular baserunners. The Cardinals do that very well.