I'm still uncertain of what to think about MJ. In the batter's box, there's a whole lot of movement going on before he swings which means there's a whole lot of things that can go wrong. He needs to simplify.
At the same time that 443-ft HR reached the water in one hell of a hurry. That was extremely impressive.
Add in all the questions about his defense and what position(s) he should play and the guy is definitely an enigma right now.
I think you gloss over the most important macro point of this game. In the last 15 years of Royals history, call it the Dayton, Ned, Matheny era - the Nicky Lopez at bat in the 4th is potentially the most enlightening - and encouraging. Bottom 4, up 3-0, runners on 1st and 2nd, no outs. Lopez comes up and over the last 15 years that is an instant, automatic bunt. No questions asked, we're going back to 1983 and bunting the runners over. However, Q let him hit away and he triples in both runners. A few hits later and Royals tack on 4 in the 4th. It is important to note, that had Lopez bunted the runners to second and third, the Royals may not have scored at all. The next two hitters struck out. The macro point of not giving up outs via the bunt, especially early, hopefully shows a paradigm shift to more analytic baseball brought over from Tampa, Cleveland or wherever. The win was nice, but potentially beginning to see a shift in thinking is more important.
This is a good point. I sent a tweet when it happened. And one I would’ve expanded upon, but I’m looking to find a bit of brevity in these insta-recaps.
I always get the feeling there was plenty of freelancing going on. Especially with Yost. Maybe a little less with Matheny who seemed to be quite the control freak. But the point remains…They’ve either told players not to bunt unless given the sign, or they’ve strongly discouraged it. Either way, it works. I would imagine Q is “new school” enough to know giving away outs, especially early in the game, is never a good thing.
I was texting others about it at the same time - I think these nuanced changes that most people won't see are really what you are looking for in 2023. LMK if you want to tag team it with expected run analysis or anything - would be happy to help out.
I'm still uncertain of what to think about MJ. In the batter's box, there's a whole lot of movement going on before he swings which means there's a whole lot of things that can go wrong. He needs to simplify.
At the same time that 443-ft HR reached the water in one hell of a hurry. That was extremely impressive.
Add in all the questions about his defense and what position(s) he should play and the guy is definitely an enigma right now.
The home run shows the potential. But you’re right…everything about him is an enigma at this point.
I think you gloss over the most important macro point of this game. In the last 15 years of Royals history, call it the Dayton, Ned, Matheny era - the Nicky Lopez at bat in the 4th is potentially the most enlightening - and encouraging. Bottom 4, up 3-0, runners on 1st and 2nd, no outs. Lopez comes up and over the last 15 years that is an instant, automatic bunt. No questions asked, we're going back to 1983 and bunting the runners over. However, Q let him hit away and he triples in both runners. A few hits later and Royals tack on 4 in the 4th. It is important to note, that had Lopez bunted the runners to second and third, the Royals may not have scored at all. The next two hitters struck out. The macro point of not giving up outs via the bunt, especially early, hopefully shows a paradigm shift to more analytic baseball brought over from Tampa, Cleveland or wherever. The win was nice, but potentially beginning to see a shift in thinking is more important.
This is a good point. I sent a tweet when it happened. And one I would’ve expanded upon, but I’m looking to find a bit of brevity in these insta-recaps.
I always get the feeling there was plenty of freelancing going on. Especially with Yost. Maybe a little less with Matheny who seemed to be quite the control freak. But the point remains…They’ve either told players not to bunt unless given the sign, or they’ve strongly discouraged it. Either way, it works. I would imagine Q is “new school” enough to know giving away outs, especially early in the game, is never a good thing.
I should probably expand on this in a post.
I was texting others about it at the same time - I think these nuanced changes that most people won't see are really what you are looking for in 2023. LMK if you want to tag team it with expected run analysis or anything - would be happy to help out.
Yes! The nuanced changes…good way to frame it. There’s a lot going on under the hood that will only be revealed over time.
And will do on the analysis. Thanks!
I'm just gonna say it...
We might win it all
That’s the spirit!
MJ Is the best MJ in proffesional sports history
WE WERNT LOSING ON SINGER DAY