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On this episode of the BSN Rockies Podcast, Drew Creasman breaks down the collapse in the final game against the Reds and looks into some possible ways to fix the problems the bullpen has been experiencing as of late, especially the potential return of Adam Ottavino. Plus, a few good signs from the game including the production of the rookies and Carlos Gonzalez staying hot.
0 Comments (2 conversations)
Raevt
5 our of 7 blown games that statistic hurt
Raevt
7 our of 10 blown that hurts
Mary Pace
Got tired of thinking about the bullpen, so I thought about Nolan’s series against the Reds and came up with the following (note: I thought Drew discussed this fairly on the podcast; the following are my thoughts in response to some articles & Twitter comments & Cincinnati TV broadcasters).
On the subject of forgetting the number of outs while running the bases:
Is it fooolish? Yes. Is it embarassing? Yes. Is it a mistake that shouldn’t happen in big leagues, but still does occasionally, because there are still imperfect humans (and not robots) playing a difficult game? The answer is also, YES! Overall not a concerning development, especially when you note that the rest of the series, Nolan made an obvious effort to confirm the number of outs with his base coaches when he did get on base. Write this one off as a fluke, the product of a long grinding season.
On the subject of perceived “lack of hustle” on what turned out to be a GIDP in the 1st inning of game 3, it’s not really a big deal either. I don’t think it shows a lack of respect, I don’t think it shows a lack of character, and I’m not entirely convinced it was the result of a mental lapse (unless Nolan comes out & says it was). Here’s my reasons why:
1. Nolan is slow of foot. I would guess the only Rockies’ position player who could out-slow him would be Chris Iannetta…and maybe Tony Wolters if Tony had just caught both games of a double-header…maybe.
2. He took a weird route out of the box (maybe because the pitch jammed him?) and got caught in an awkward stride and had to take a shorter step as he approached the bag.
3. Pure speculation from an untrained, arm-chair fan’s opinion: I think he has some kind of nagging, lower-body issue (my money’s on knee and/or lower back) that’s bothered him off and on most of the year. Not trying to start any rumors, but I think this would explain some of the instances where it appears he’s not running hard.
Hopefully I’m not too far off base here.
Thanks for all the writing & casting!