Comments on: Rays back against the wall

By: Brent Mayne

Brent Mayne — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:58:17 +0000

Hi Chuck, thanks for writing in. You’re right, Ruiz is using the old Tony Pena one leg out stance here and there. I personally love watching a catcher mix up the stances to break the monotony. It’s entertaining for me, probably keeps him engaged and focused, and provides a different look for the pitcher to throw to. All good. Now as far as the new high stance for the high pitch thing…I totally agree with you. It’s trash. Check out what I wrote in the Oct. 16 post titled “LA bites the dust” for more commentary on this subject. Thank you for your comments!!!!!! They keep me going.

By: Brent Mayne

Brent Mayne — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:52:30 +0000

Royce, solid observation…you hit the nail on the head! Youkilis IS the guy who fights the Abominable Snowman – Yukon Cornelius.

By: Chuck Rosciam

Chuck Rosciam — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:40:18 +0000

While watching the WS, and particularly the backstops, I’ve noticed a similarity between the Phillies’ Carlos Ruiz and Tony Pena in their stances. Looking at page 26 in your book (Pena photo and your discussion) I see the same enthusiasm in Ruiz using a variety of stances and movement that I haven’t seen very often lately. The only criticism that I have about Ruiz is that when he calls for a high fastball he telegraphs the pitch by rising up, which can be noticed by the batter with a quick peripheral glance. I also see the same tendency in Dioneer Navarro of the Rays. Is this some new form of receiving being taught in the Minors?

By: Royce the Cherokee

Royce the Cherokee — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:18:51 +0000

Great observation! These two guy’s seem to be a player’s, player. Don’t know them personally but I bet they are great teammates. Is it just me or doe’s anyone else think that Youkalis looks like the dude that fights The Abominable Snowman in the annual Rudolph the Red Nose Riendeer cartoon?!