Tired of tools, Lets get ballplayers

[RegulusBlue]

We have the fastest team in the majors, most likely. We have tremendous athleticism at many positions, and it has impacts all over the field quite often. Cedeno and Pierre are all over SS and CF constantly, and Jones mans RF quite effectively, aside from some gross tosses to the IF. Hairston makes good plays often as well, using his versatility to his maximum ability.

 

We have also developed many tools-oriented players in hopes of harnessing their rare physical talents, while focusing their plate approach and game sense. Patterson and Pie are the latest of our phenoms, and they are tools superstars. Both run like the wind with great arm strength, they can hit, although CPat has more pop, they can steal bags, etc... The sky is the limit.

 

The problem is that these guys aren't natural ballplayers. Their bodies suggest that they are, but their minds don't hold up their end of the bargain. CPat was uncoachable and his plate approach and swing were hard to watch. Jones can't adjust enough to hit lefties, and Pierre is a pure leadoff hitter that somehow can't take a walk. Hairston victimizes us with a bonehead play nearly everytime he hits the field.

 

The Cubs have been signing free agents and drafting prospects based on tools for much too long, and its time to recognize that the most valuable thing present in any ballplayer is his mind. The hitter's eye that makes Brian Giles' IsoBB unfathomable, the patience that let Bonds take the strike that wasn't quite good enough to blast out of the park (probably a bad example), the game sense that tells Jeter to cut off an errant throw to save the Yankees against the A's are the really valuable qualities.

 

Matt Murton is a good example of this kind of player. Despite Satan the batting coach screaming in his ear to swing, his approach at the plate lets him take pitches and remain focused in big situations. He doesn't have blazing speed or a great arm, but he rarely has mental errors (other than reaching into the vines), and you can expect production consistently from him.

 

Physical skills are a necessary part of the puzzle, but I would take a Bellhorn any day over Hairston, or a decent OBP guy any day over the handful of webgems that Jones will give us instead.

 

The 'gamer' model of team is currently in full swing across town from the Cubs this very moment. A team with still not close to the top talent level in the league is just filled with winners and clutch guys, now with even more pop and reinforcements, and they have the best record in the majors to show for it, as much as I hate them. Maybe after we get swept this weekend, we'll wake up a little and try their formula.

 

We used to wait on the three run homer, and it almost worked once, before failing horribly the next year. Then we overreacted massively and lost all power in favor of speed. Initially, we benefitted, but then reality fell on us like a ton of gross fat chicks.

 

I'd like to propose that we go after guys who may have less athletic ability, but the gamer mentality. It just so happens that all the Sox players that I crapped on over and over last year are wearing rings, while our faster, better guys not only watched from their couches, but sink into oblivion this year as the Sox look more than ready to repeat.

 

Note: I mentioned Pie, but this is no indictment of him as a player. I have not seen him play, nor has he any MLB experience. This post only mentioned his toolsy nature. Take no offense.

[BigbadB]

Kevin Youkilis is doing his best Mark Bellhorn impersonation and getting on base in the lead off spot at a ridiculous clip. He's not fast.

 

How many Padres players drew walks on Mother's Day and how many of them scored?

 

How many Cub players drew base on balls on Mother's Day and how many of them scored? Oh, and Neifi Perez's intentional walk doesn't count since it was to get to the pitcher.

 

How many games will we continue to see the opposing team drawing numerous walks and watching those guys who walk cross home plate, while Cub hitters head back to the dugout after one single swing of the bat, which created another out?