OnlyBucs

I'm sort of disgusted with the defensive performance of the OF. But I do think the WBC may have had a big part in not getting accustomed to the new positions for each player.



In the WBC they did not get nearly the game action they would have had at Bradenton and Pirate City. They get a good amount of starts in regular exhibition games and then on off days for them go to Pirate City and play in minor league games to get used to the different positions.



Just one more reason for me that the WBC sucks.

It seems odd to me that utility players might get an occasional game at each OF spot on no kind of regular basis and still not experience the difficulties the Pirate starters are having changing OF positions. And even in previous seasons, those 3 starters didn't appear lost in other teams' ballparks. So it's hard to attribute this to the dimensions of PNC. Can it really be that difficult?

It *shouldn't* be. Those guys presumably have played other spots in the minors. I was trying to be charitable. What concerns me is that low-gear attitude.

43415B5D4B2E0 wrote: It *shouldn't* be. Those guys presumably have played other spots in the minors. I was trying to be charitable. What concerns me is that low-gear attitude.


Just by reading it almost seems like they often expect the other outfielder to make the play. Whoever coaches outfield should be able to get these guys straightened out (unless he thinks they are hustling and are victims of small sample size so far).

46445E584E2B0 wrote: It *shouldn't* be. Those guys presumably have played other spots in the minors. I was trying to be charitable. What concerns me is that low-gear attitude.


This. 100%.



The young rookie phenomenon in Boston moved from Left to center and there was barely a mention of the move. I find it almost inconceivable that the Pirates' OFers can't make the change as seamlessly as any other player.



But almost no one is pointing to the heart of these guys. For me this is huge. To have players that don't lay it all out on everyplay is completely inexcusable.



It's one thing for me to question someone's effort, but the entire ROOT post game crew made a point about lack of effort.



It's wrong to excuse these guys because they "have to adjust" when someone needs to be in their grill, especially Marte's.



Marte alone gave the Boston game away. Just gave it away. I'm unimpressed the Pirates take such a laissez-faire attitude toward some of their stars. They need to be kicking rear-ends.

7671676F6176313D446369656D682A676B69040 wrote: It *shouldn't* be. Those guys presumably have played other spots in the minors. I was trying to be charitable. What concerns me is that low-gear attitude.


This.  100%. 



The young rookie phenomenon in Boston moved from Left to center and there was barely a mention of the move.  I find it almost  inconceivable that the Pirates' OFers can't make the change as seamlessly as any other player.



But almost no one is pointing to the heart of these guys.  For me this is huge.  To have players that don't lay it all out on everyplay is completely inexcusable. 



It's one thing for me to question someone's effort, but the entire ROOT post game crew made a point about lack of effort.



It's wrong to excuse these guys because they "have to adjust" when someone needs to be in their grill, especially Marte's. 



Marte alone gave the Boston game away.  Just gave it away.  I'm unimpressed the Pirates take such a laissez-faire attitude toward some of their stars. They need to be kicking rear-ends.


When Marte tried an ill-advised bunt vs Boston, Hurdle said, "It's hard to tell a player, when he says he's trying to help you win a game, that he might've done the wrong thing.” Since when is it a bad idea to correct a player doing the wrong thing so that he learns from it? Maybe this is the problem.

6C414C5D5A4B5C1C1F2E0 wrote: It *shouldn't* be. Those guys presumably have played other spots in the minors. I was trying to be charitable. What concerns me is that low-gear attitude.


This.  100%. 



The young rookie phenomenon in Boston moved from Left to center and there was barely a mention of the move.  I find it almost  inconceivable that the Pirates' OFers can't make the change as seamlessly as any other player.



But almost no one is pointing to the heart of these guys.  For me this is huge.  To have players that don't lay it all out on everyplay is completely inexcusable. 



It's one thing for me to question someone's effort, but the entire ROOT post game crew made a point about lack of effort.



It's wrong to excuse these guys because they "have to adjust" when someone needs to be in their grill, especially Marte's. 



Marte alone gave the Boston game away.  Just gave it away.  I'm unimpressed the Pirates take such a laissez-faire attitude toward some of their stars. They need to be kicking rear-ends.


When Marte tried an ill-advised bunt vs Boston, Hurdle said, "It's hard to tell a player, when he says he's trying to help you win a game, that he might've done the wrong thing.” Since when is it a bad idea to correct a player doing the wrong thing so that he learns from it? Maybe this is the problem.


It is strange if that is the case. The team seems to go above and beyond explaining why they want to make changes because of analytics. Sure you can catch more flies with sugar than vinegar but still have to talk to them (hopefully the Bucs are). I've been very reluctant to even consider trading Marte because of his offensive and defensive value but if he is turning into a prima donna or just a lackadaisical player then the sooner gone the better.



Still these are management issues and what makes the game different than playing on the computer and if they are really there it is a little disheartening to think the team has trouble in this area.

Interesting Cutch article today on ESPN --



http://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post ... en-in-2017



Maybe the most interesting stat was on how the outfield is doing on percentage of fly balls turned into outs.

34362C2A3C590 wrote: Interesting Cutch article today on ESPN --



http://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post ... en-in-2017



Maybe the most interesting stat was on how the outfield is doing on percentage of fly balls turned into outs.


Seems like to me McCutchen is getting it going. Doesn't he have a six game hitting streak?

75776D6B7D180 wrote: Interesting Cutch article today on ESPN --



http://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post ... en-in-2017



Maybe the most interesting stat was on how the outfield is doing on percentage of fly balls turned into outs.


I just read that article and that stat on percent of fly balls turned into outs struck me also. It seems strange to have 3 speedy outfielders who can cover ground have that be an issue. I think the wall in right and the notch in left has an impact but you also have to wonder if they do a good job of positioning the players. Interesting.



I agree with the OP on Cutch. I think he has been swinging better lately and better than his funk of last year.