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BigRapidsJackass · June 23rd, 2008, 09:29 PM

I don't think I need to remind people how rare it is for Jeff Huson -- the least controversial analyst to ever appear on radio or TV -- to criticize a Rockies player.

But he did it tonight, pointing out Willy Taveras casually jogging down the first base line, giving the Royals' third baseman time to field a grounder, take a step to tag out the runner on third, then turn and make the throw to first, getting Willy out by a few steps.

This was the 7th inning, game still very much winnable.

Compare: Matt Holliday, running as hard as he could down the 1B line in the bottom of the 9th a few weeks ago, his team trailing by about 7 runs ... and pulling a muscle in the process.

Now I don't advocate doing stupid things that may hurt your club in the long run (Matt, that was you), but I think we should be able to expect a good effort at all times, particularly from those whose entire game is speed (Willy, that's you).

Late April: Iannetta is hot and starts 5 in a row. Torrealba complains to Clint. Torrealba is publicly ordained "our starter" by Clint.

Mid June: Spilborghs is playing well. Hawpe and Holliday return. Clint lets something slip about finding playing time for Spilly in CF. Willy complains publicly. Willy is re-ordained the starter. He responds by racking up meaningless stolen bases (example: stealing 3B with 2 outs and 2 strikes on the hitter. He did that). But why run out a grounder when you can't get a hit? It would, at best, have been a fielder's choice. So let them have the double play and sit down. Maybe you can save your energy to steal 3B in the 9th with us down by 6 runs.

Hurdle is losing this club by caving to these guys. Someone (O'Dowd) better restore order fast. Some serious time on the bench -- or even an option to AAA, or a DFA -- will get his players' attention back real fast.

June 23rd, 2008, 09:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
BigRapidsJackass Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,173	Willy T. Jaking It I don't think I need to remind people how rare it is for Jeff Huson -- the least controversial analyst to ever appear on radio or TV -- to criticize a Rockies player. But he did it tonight, pointing out Willy Taveras casually jogging down the first base line, giving the Royals' third baseman time to field a grounder, take a step to tag out the runner on third, then turn and make the throw to first, getting Willy out by a few steps. This was the 7th inning, game still very much winnable. Compare: Matt Holliday, running as hard as he could down the 1B line in the bottom of the 9th a few weeks ago, his team trailing by about 7 runs ... and pulling a muscle in the process. Now I don't advocate doing stupid things that may hurt your club in the long run (Matt, that was you), but I think we should be able to expect a good effort at all times, particularly from those whose entire game is speed (Willy, that's you). Late April: Iannetta is hot and starts 5 in a row. Torrealba complains to Clint. Torrealba is publicly ordained "our starter" by Clint. Mid June: Spilborghs is playing well. Hawpe and Holliday return. Clint lets something slip about finding playing time for Spilly in CF. Willy complains publicly. Willy is re-ordained the starter. He responds by racking up meaningless stolen bases (example: stealing 3B with 2 outs and 2 strikes on the hitter. He did that). But why run out a grounder when you can't get a hit? It would, at best, have been a fielder's choice. So let them have the double play and sit down. Maybe you can save your energy to steal 3B in the 9th with us down by 6 runs. Hurdle is losing this club by caving to these guys. Someone (O'Dowd) better restore order fast. Some serious time on the bench -- or even an option to AAA, or a DFA -- will get his players' attention back real fast.