vs. BLUE JAYS, 9/26

[OFFNY]

.

OK, for argument's sake, let's say that Flaherty holds down the (2nd base) fort for at least the first half of the 2014 season, maybe 2/3 or even 3/4 of the season.

Is that enough time for Schoop to make any kind of marked improvement on defense down at AAA-Norfolk to better prepare him for the majors ???

[weams]

.

OK, for argument's sake, let's say that Flaherty holds the (2nd base) fort for at least the first half of the 2014 season, maybe 2/3 or even 3/4 of the season.

Is that enough time for Schoop to make any kind of marked improvement on defense down at AAA-Norfolk to better prepare him for the majors ???

He'll be better than Chase Utley, and that is all he really has to be. Ryan improved on defense at a late age, so I am sure the possibility for Schoop to improve is there. He does not have those instincts that we have learned to expect in Manny and J.J.

[OFFNY]

He'll be better than Chase Utley, and that is all he really has to be.

OK thanks, Weams.

[Don Quixote]

He is fairly quick, has a ton of plate appearances, and puts the ball in play.

True, but just one of those things that creeps up on you, I guess. I've seen so many times where he's close but doesn't quite get there, that I guess I'm surprised he's beat that many out. Over 15% of his hits have come that way.

[schittenden]

Your nightly public service announcement...

The O's pitchers now have shut down the Jays offense 2 out of 2 times after the Orioles offense scored runs in the preceding half inning.

[eddie83]

.

OK, for argument's sake, let's say that Flaherty holds the (2nd base) fort for at least the first half of the 2014 season, maybe 2/3 or even 3/4 of the season.

Is that enough time for Schoop to make any kind of marked improvement on defense down at AAA-Norfolk to better prepare him for the majors ???

I would say yes, if he puts in the work. I think anybody can improve with work and experience, the question is to what extent? Can't teach athleticism. Buck has really emphasized defense and with a staff that doesn't strike people out that is a good thing.

[WEAVERMAN]

Keep in mind I am just going off what I have read. I am not a scout and have never seen him play in person.

He isn't a butcher at second, but he is isn't plus defensively there and he is better suited to third.

His bat should be able to carry his glove at second if a team puts him there.

I don't like errors period.

[eddie83]

He'll be better than Chase Utley, and that is all he really has to be. Ryan improved on defense at a late age, so I am sure the possibility for Schoop to improve is there. He does not have those instincts that we have learned to expect in Manny and J.J.

So he will hit like Utley?

[Can_of_corn]

Your nightly public service announcement...

The O's pitchers now have shut down the Jays offense 2 out of 2 times after the Orioles offense scored runs in the preceding half inning.

That means nothing now that the incredible pressure of a pennant race has vanished!

[OFFNY]

.

Gonzalez has essentially pitched 4 shutout innings so far (1 unearned run.)

[WEAVERMAN]

Let's get more runs.

[OFFNY]

I would say yes, if he puts in the work. I think anybody can improve with work and experience, the question is to what extent? Can't teach athleticism. Buck has really emphasized defense and with a staff that doesn't strike people out that is a good thing.

Thanks, Eddie.

[Can_of_corn]

I don't like errors period.

Going out on a limb there WEAVERMAN.

[TouchemAll]

I don't like errors period.

You and me both were spoiled and I like our defense

[WEAVERMAN]

That means nothing now that the incredible pressure of a pennant race has vanished!

That's a good point.