Buster Olney's comments on 1530 ESPN

[BCubb2003]

It would have been interesting to see Gregorius, Phillips and Stubbs up the middle.

I think Gregoriois might have Phillips-level defense, but we've seen that the lineup needs offense.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Originally Posted by top6

I think this was a pretty good trade, but people seem to be hand waiving away the concern about the lack of a true CF in the starting lineup. This could be a huge problem--but I am happy we have Heisey so if things spiral too much out of control he can just start in CF and we can figure out what to do with Ludwick/Choo.

I hope the Reds are also looking for a weak bat/good defense/AAAA-type CF to sign to a minor league deal--if such a player exists.

Don't we already have that in Ryan LaMarre?

[vaticanplum]

Can a baseball coach-y type person tell me why "taking bad routes to the ball" is something that can't be corrected and almost eliminated with training? I've never understood this. Always seemed like something that could be fixed with a ton of practice and good coaching. Freel I get, due to his being a (lovable) impetuous jittery blockhead, but that can't be true for everybody. Certainly doesn't strike me as true of Choo (heh).

[RedsManRick]

Originally Posted by vaticanplum

Can a baseball coach-y type person tell me why "taking bad routes to the ball" is something that can't be corrected and almost eliminated with training? I've never understood this. Always seemed like something that could be fixed with a ton of practice and good coaching. Freel I get, due to his being a (lovable) impetuous jittery blockhead, but that can't be true for everybody. Certainly doesn't strike me as true of Choo (heh).

I'm no coach, but for me personally, it simply came down to lacking the ability to accurately judge where the ball was going. The bad route was the result of a constant reassessment of the ball's trajectory. Like plate discipline or any other primarily cognitive task, I'm sure it's something that can be improved with coaching and practice, but only to a point.

[top6]

Originally Posted by _Sir_Charles_

Don't we already have that in Ryan LaMarre?

Very possible (I really don't know much about the non-top prospects in the minors). I should have said "are looking for or already have." Point being that I want a second option other than Heisey if it becomes obvious that poor outfield defense is killing the team at some point.

[NJReds]

Originally Posted by top6

Very possible (I really don't know much about the non-top prospects in the minors). I should have said "are looking for or already have." Point being that I want a second option other than Heisey if it becomes obvious that poor outfield defense is killing the team at some point.

If the Angels sign Josh Hamilton, I wonder what it would take to get Peter Bourjos? He'd offer speed and defense off the bench. He hit in the minors, but seemed to regress in the majors last year.

[The Voice of IH]

Originally Posted by Strikes Out Looking

How in the world did someone get Buster Olney to talk about something besides the Yankees?

I think this is a pretty silly comment. Olney may follow company policy and talk about big markets, but on his blog he is one of the best daily baseball source there is. It's great.

[bucksfan2]

Originally Posted by vaticanplum

Can a baseball coach-y type person tell me why "taking bad routes to the ball" is something that can't be corrected and almost eliminated with training? I've never understood this. Always seemed like something that could be fixed with a ton of practice and good coaching. Freel I get, due to his being a (lovable) impetuous jittery blockhead, but that can't be true for everybody. Certainly doesn't strike me as true of Choo (heh).

A lot of its natural. Seeing the ball off the bat and being able to break automatically. Some people have to hesitate for a split second in order to pick up the flight of the ball. Others can pick it up that split second sooner and get a better jump. When chasing a ball in the gap our cutting a ball off before it gets past you, that extra step or half step can make a world of difference.

I remember when Andruw Jones was in his prime. He was able to get such a great jump that he played a very shallow CF. He could go back on a ball and get it but it also enabled him to get to many sinking line drives that normally would end up as hits.

[vaticanplum]

Originally Posted by bucksfan2

A lot of its natural. Seeing the ball off the bat and being able to break automatically. Some people have to hesitate for a split second in order to pick up the flight of the ball. Others can pick it up that split second sooner and get a better jump. When chasing a ball in the gap our cutting a ball off before it gets past you, that extra step or half step can make a world of difference.

I remember when Andruw Jones was in his prime. He was able to get such a great jump that he played a very shallow CF. He could go back on a ball and get it but it also enabled him to get to many sinking line drives that normally would end up as hits.

Interesting stuff, thanks (RMR too).

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by BCubb2003

It would have been interesting to see Gregorius, Phillips and Stubbs up the middle.

I think Gregoriois might have Phillips-level defense, but we've seen that the lineup needs offense.

Gregorius is a better defender than Phillips is. Phillips is an outstanding second baseman. Gregorius is an outstanding shortstop. Big difference.

[RANDY IN INDY]

Is Gregorius a better 2b than Phillips?

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by RANDY IN INDY

Is Gregorius a better 2b than Phillips?

Probably. Better range, more athletic and a stronger arm. Hands may not be quite as sure, but they are pretty darn good. Offensively though.... that is a different story and not one that is even up for debate.

[RANDY IN INDY]

I would have a hard time agreeing with your notion that Gregorious is a better defender at 2b than Phillips right now.

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by RANDY IN INDY

I would have a hard time agreeing with your notion that Gregorious is a better defender at 2b than Phillips right now.

Based upon what? The scouting reports suggest he probably is. I don't think a scout around would tell you that Phillips has better range or arm than Gregorius does. Does Phillips have better hands? Yeah, he does, but it isn't by a whole lot. Gregorius has a clear advantage in two of the three aspects of defense and only a slight disadvantage in the third.

[Sea Ray]

Originally Posted by dougdirt

Based upon what? The scouting reports suggest he probably is. I don't think a scout around would tell you that Phillips has better range or arm than Gregorius does. Does Phillips have better hands? Yeah, he does, but it isn't by a whole lot. Gregorius has a clear advantage in two of the three aspects of defense and only a slight disadvantage in the third.

How 'bout experience? Who has more experience at 2B? That's gotta be worth something