OnlyBucs

I wonder if the dimensions of Fenway had a play in that?  It is a very unusual outfield and one the Pirates haven't played on before.  That weird stat has to improve.

Our three OFers spent very little time on the field together during ST because they were all playing in the World Baseball Classic -- and I believe Polanco played CF for the Dominican. I think we need to be patient, any stats at this point are an extreme small sample. And Boston had to be tough having not played there before. I think they'll settle in. Remember all three are playing new positions.

7F5E4B427A43584B5E4F2A0 wrote: Our three OFers spent very little time on the field together during ST because they were all playing in the World Baseball Classic -- and I believe Polanco played CF for the Dominican. I think we need to be patient, any stats at this point are an extreme small sample. And Boston had to be tough having not played there before. I think they'll settle in. Remember all three are playing new positions.


I agree with this. I actually think McCutchen has looked pretty good in right.

Just read the article..."McCutchen was never a blazer?" What? He was one of the fastest guys in baseball at one point. I've always been disappointed in his stolen base numbers, just due to his sheer speed. On his triple yesterday, he was flying. I still think he has above average speed, though perhaps he's lost a step between being 27 and 30. The first week of the season, I was very nervous about him. The last week has been better, though. He hasn't struck out as much (7 Ks in his first 20 ABs, only three in his last 28). His outs are being hit harder. You can tell he's more comfortable at the plate than even a week ago. WBC hangover perhaps?

McCutchen has speed, but maybe not quickness. McCutchen goes from first to third as well as anyone.



Of course he lost some speed, most players do.



I never thought his defense was that bad (not counting his arm) as I thought he got to most balls. I know "stats" don't say that and having Marte on the team made him look worse. The shift hurt him last year in CF. I am curious in watching how he tracks down fly balls in RF.

4D4546716742656A040 wrote: Our three OFers spent very little time on the field together during ST because they were all playing in the World Baseball Classic -- and I believe Polanco played CF for the Dominican. I think we need to be patient, any stats at this point are an extreme small sample. And Boston had to be tough having not played there before. I think they'll settle in. Remember all three are playing new positions.


I agree with this.  I actually think McCutchen has looked pretty good in right.

That's been my take as well. Kind of a weird timing on the article also. Doesn't he have a 7 game hitting streak? He did look bad in the Boston series, but I think he's been pretty decent since.

535B586F795C7B741A0 wrote: Just read the article..."McCutchen was never a blazer?"  What?  He was one of the fastest guys in baseball at one point.  I've always been disappointed in his stolen base numbers, just due to his sheer speed.  On his triple yesterday, he was flying.  I still think he has above average speed, though perhaps he's lost a step between being 27 and 30.  The first week of the season, I was very nervous about him.  The last week has been better, though.  He hasn't struck out as much (7 Ks in his first 20 ABs, only three in his last 28).  His outs are being hit harder.  You can tell he's more comfortable at the plate than even a week ago.  WBC hangover perhaps?I was really concerned when he went through the strikeout binge early but he's been putting the ball in play, and from my eye he's been hitting the ball hard.

Is there a site that charts every player's exit velocities? I would really like too see all the metrics. To say his exit velocity dipped again, could really be misleading as he was pretty bad for the 1st 20 at bats or so.

During last nights cards-Yankees game they posted average exit velocity is 89.something. Aaron Judge was batting and his average was 95 which was fifth or sixth highest among major leagers