We seem very slow to promote when it comes to lower-ranked prospects in the system. Especially from AAA to the majors. Outside of Manoah, Vlad, Bo, Pearson, Kirk, Jansen, we haven’t promoted guys quickly at all
The shift ban has heavily impacted BABIP on groundballs (I don’t think im talking out my ass here??) and so I think they have made more of an effort to have speedy guys and to hit to contact more. I’m pretty sure I heard Ross mentioning it once or twice in the offseason. Its why they went for speedy lefties like Varsho and KK. The bigger bases also means less distance to 1st, so again speedier guys like Whit, Varsho, KK. And obviously a heavier emphasis on being aggressive on the bases overall.
Im actually surprised we didn’t keep Tapia but I guess he was redundant with Varsho and KK
Its not every year you have rule changes that could severely impact the way the game is played…. Just based on things I heard Atkins say in the offseason I think they consciously made a change trying to get ahead of the curve.
Anyways I won’t argue it anymore because neither of us know for sure and its stupid.
If im Vlad I just completely ignore any pitches that start on the outer edges of the plate. For at least a week or so, see if it gets better results.
Dude is just not learning from his mistakes
I really just find it hard to chalk things up to “bad luck”. Its getting frustrating saying the same s*** year after year. At some point you have to think maybe just MAYBE it isn’t just bad luck. Im choosing to turn my anger on the coaches.
There’s evidence (verbal) that the coaches tried to get him to go oppo more to start the year. Idk why you have to be so obtuse about this s***.
The reality is we don’t know, so either answer is plausible.
Just be glad it wasn’t the idiot umpires in the replay room today. Kirk was definitely blocking the lane. We’re lucky the play wasn’t close, or else good chance it gets overturned