Great Coghlan Podcast Interview

[David]

[Aaron_Kennelly]

 

Thanks. That was pretty awesome. He's clearly made a lot of changes as a player, and I've heard him talk some about it. But, to hear him mention that he looked at stats and what ones teams were looking for, and that he tried to improve himself in ways that were actually beneficial to team success was fascinating.

 

I'm not sure I buy his improvements defensively. In fact, I flat out don't believe he really improved defensively, And, he doesn't really say what helped him improve, other than that he focused more and really wanted to do better. Don't get me wrong: I think he was better defensively last year. He didn't make as many egregious lapses as we saw in 2014. In fact, he wasn't credited with any errors last year. But, I think he kinda just stumbled into a solid year defensively. He seemed to still take a lot of horrible routes, but miraculously was able to track down a good amount of balls after taking bad routes. He's just doesn't have good instincts out there -- bad jumps, bad routes, etc. But, maybe by focusing on his defensive and really making it a priority and holding himself accountable, then he might be able to stay around league average instead of well below it?

 

As for his hitting, it's pretty great what he's done. The results have blessed us with some cheap wins from a guy that we literally got off the scrap heap.

[OleMissCub]

Terrific. You don't hear that kind of honesty very often.

[davell]

I trust David's description, but because it was Coghlan, I almost didn't listen. But damn, it really was fantastic. Didn't expect that kind of insight out of him.

[JudasIscariotTheBird]

Damn. This podcast is basically required listening for anyone who frequents this board.

[Northsider]

I've been a fan of signing Austin Jackson and trading Coghlan for pitching this offseason; but after listening to that I'm hoping to see him stick around with us for a long time. He's really bought into how valuable stats can be for a player, and I want that around the rest of our young guys.

[davell]

I've been a fan of signing Austin Jackson and trading Coghlan for pitching this offseason; but after listening to that I'm hoping to see him stick around with us for a long time. He's really bought into how valuable stats can be for a player, and I want that around the rest of our young guys.

 

It got me thinking as to what percentage of players actually think like this? I have no idea, but I'd think it'd be a very small amount honestly. But, I also feel extremely confident that our guys preach this stuff to the kids coming up and also feel like these are the types we'd acquire as FA or through trade as well. (duh, with Heyward and Zobrist). I'd certainly think we've got much more of this type of attitude on our roster than most do.

[Northsider]

I've been a fan of signing Austin Jackson and trading Coghlan for pitching this offseason; but after listening to that I'm hoping to see him stick around with us for a long time. He's really bought into how valuable stats can be for a player, and I want that around the rest of our young guys.

 

It got me thinking as to what percentage of players actually think like this? I have no idea, but I'd think it'd be a very small amount honestly. But, I also feel extremely confident that our guys preach this stuff to the kids coming up and also feel like these are the types we'd acquire as FA or through trade as well. (duh, with Heyward and Zobrist). I'd certainly think we've got much more of this type of attitude on our roster than most do.

 

Probably. But hearing the same stuff from a player (or former player), someone who's 'been there' as it were, can sometimes be easier to relate to.

 

It's not just that, though. He's *totally* bought in. Actually excited over the new Statcast data, recognizing the effects of Maddon's work ... I'm kinda hearing him take that next step as a fan of the game. Maybe I'm overreacting, but I get the feeling that this is what a future coach might sound like. If I'm right (again, a big if), it'd be kinda cool to start subtly developing Coghlan now under Maddon - give him little hints and tastes and see if he takes to it.