Dusty quote

[Satch80]

"Perhaps some of the success of the moneyball philosophy is that they've stopped asking the players to do things that they don't know how to do. "

 

I think that's part of it. They draft players that already have the skills they value such as plate discipline, good defense, baseball IQ etc.

They don't think it's possible to do much about developing these things.

 

Fundamentals may be down in pro sports(and Dusty has the right to say this) but winning teams still field sound fundamental teams. The Sacramento Kings still pass, Dallas still makes free throws, the Spurs still defend and the Cardinals still catch the ball. This happens because the organization and coaching staff demand it and this is where Dusty refuses to go.

 

When his players make bonehead plays does he put them through drills, bench them to clear their head? If he doesn't, the implication is that mistakes are tolerated. His constant excuses deflect the blame from his players and him to some nebulous force beyong his control.

 

If I managed a department that made this many mistakes I would be replaced and so would anyone else.

Obviously only one team can win it all so in effect every other team is a loser. But losing through lack of talent is one thing, losing through stupidity is another.

 

I can understand the posters that are tired of the Dusty bashing because at times it does reach the absurd but on the other hand I can sympathize with the bashers. As fans, we are expected to watch and support a team that defines futility.

i.e.

Months of Corey/Nefi batting 1-2

Horrible fundamentals

Consistent mental errors

Poor pitching decisions

Inappropriate use of players.

 

Well....fans should not have to pay good money to watch this garbage and if they do, they have a right to complain.

 

I personally didn't think the Cubs had the talent to win much of anything this year entering the season with no closer, no solid bullpen, a bench player in LF, an unknown quantity in CF and an average production in RF.

And replacing Clement with Dempster or Rusch wasn't going to get it done. And once Wood and Nomar went down it was essentially a done deal.

So I probably didn't get as bummed about the season as some.

But if I have to watch this kind of garbage with a team I have hope for then I may also become a card carrying basher. After all....a fan can only take so much.