LA bites the dust
October 16, 2008Well, that was a debacle last night… not the prez debate, the Dodger game. Philly is just a much better team. Take Manny out of the LA equation and they’re an infinitely better team. They play way better D, throw way more strikes, put the ball in play more, run the bases better, their bullpen is better, they play harder with a better attitude… just simply a better team. Wow, can you imagine being Rafael Furcal, Blake DeWitt, or Chad Billingsley (to just name a few)? That was a rough game those fellas had.
On a positive note, a couple good things happened during yesterday’s game. One, Tim McCarver actually had a few insightful things to say, and I don’t know if it was just me, but it seemed liked he talked less (nice). He correctly pointed out that DeWitt took a great Martin throw too far in front of second base allowing Rollins to slide in with a stolen base (a mistake that cost the Dodgers a couple runs). McCarver also went on record as saying that he dislikes the way catchers today are standing up out of their crouch for high pitches. I couldn’t agree more. Varitek started it a few years ago and it’s an ugly trend. If you’re a young catcher, close your eyes when they do that. It’s kind of like bell bottom jeans – it’s a bad trend. I’m hoping it’ll pass. The second positive thing about the game was the catching of Carlos Ruiz. If you’re a young player, fan, or aspiring coach, make sure to key in on him when he catches in the World Series. This guy moves like a cat, blocks the ball as well as anyone playing, mixes up his stances nicely, calls a healthy game, and works seamlessly with his staff. On top of all that, he pushes the pace of the game and works fast. I’m really enjoying the energy he brings to the position. Young players would do well copying his actions. Here’s a sequence of him blocking a Hamel’s curveball that bounced way in front of the plate. Pay attention to how efficient and simple he is with his movements. His knees just go straight down, his back stays very stacked and perpendicular to the ground (not hunched over) allowing him a big blocking surface and giving him the freedom to move quickly off his knees to his feet to bounce on the ricochet. His body (unlike John McCain’s) looks very relaxed during the sequence ensuring that the ball doesn’t crash off his chest and go too far. This is solid technique and he does it about 15 times a game. Kids, coaches, and fans pay attention!
Congratulations to the Phillies, you deserve it. By the way, has anyone checked into the possibility that the Philly Phanatic and Charlie Manuel were separated at birth? Cheers.
God, McCarver drives me nuts, glad to see he finally made some valid observations. Joe Morgan kills me too. I listened to a couple of games on the radio and I think Bulldog is great, with some more contemporary insight. I’m curious to get your views Hershiser’s analysis, Brent. Also, classic move by Hamels in the final frame of that sequence: Something on the ground obviously is to blame for that 58-footer…
Yeah, I noticed that too….something must have grabbed his heel. On Orel, I haven’t really heard him enough to form a solid opinion; however, I heard him on the radio the other day when my cable went down and I liked him in that format. Thanks for the comments…and thanks for ordering a book. I mailed it a couple days ago. Peace out.