4/29 Rays at O's: battle for first place

[Orioles Magic]

Long 3rd out there but we'll take it.

[RShack]

It was a high pop up to shallow center. Roberts almost caught it with his back to the infield but didn't and Jones was right there to pick it up and throw to second to force the runner who had had to hold up at first. It was a heads up play by Jones but better communication would have lead to the ball being caught in the first place. All of the O's infielders and outfielders consistently have problems communicating with each other on shallow pops like that. It's amazing that this continues despite all the infield practice Trembley has them take. Apparently that's one specific area they don't work enough on.

It oughta be simple: the OF'er decides, end of story. If there's more than 1 OF'er there, the CF decides. Nothing hard about it. 'Wonder if AJ is being shy about telling guys what to do.

[blueberryale77]

OK that's enough Bierds for the Birds for tonight!

Looks like we won't be able to see McCrory in the 9th after all.

[JohnD]

yikes!!!!!!! Time for this....

http://images.camdenchat.com/images/admin/story_20070620trembley.jpg

[blueberryale77]

It oughta be simple: the OF'er decides, end of story. If there's more than 1 OF'er there, the CF decides. Nothing hard about it. 'Wonder if AJ is being shy about telling guys what to do.

True, but they're not doing it and the infielders frequently aren't catching them either (and are looking tentative going out as if they expect to be called off and aren't). It's a team problem, they all need to work on it together.

[longflyball]

Nice pitcher's duel going in Boston...

Here's a vote for Roy Halladay as MLB's most underrated pitcher. Three complete games already and he's pitching the 9th in Boston.

[Jagwar]

yikes!!!!!!! Time for this....

http://images.camdenchat.com/images/admin/story_20070620trembley.jpg

You need to post that as a "Caption This" thread.

[Witchy_Chick]

I think Thorne and Palmer have been hittin' the sauce......

[Witchy_Chick]

IBB to BRob......

[Orioles Magic]

Rays want no part of Roberts. Walk to pitch to Mora.

[Jagwar]

Here's a vote for Roy Halladay as MLB's most underrated pitcher. Three complete games already and he's pitching the 9th in Boston.

How the heck is Halladay underrated?

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/stats/individual_stats_player.jsp?playerID=136880&statType=2

He won the Cy Young in 2003, didn't he?

[zff4]

Toronto boots it in the 9th. Sox win but it was ugly.

[Orioles Magic]

Bradford warming up in the bullpen. Dude makes me nervous. Another run here would be nice.

[EddieO's21]

come on Melvin...let's get this going

[srock]

True, but they're not doing it and the infielders frequently aren't catching them either (and are looking tentative going out as if they expect to be called off and aren't). It's a team problem, they all need to work on it together.

As an outfielder I can tell you it isn't this simple. Here is why.

It is always the OFer's call and the CF takes precedent over the corner's. This part is simple.

It becomes difficult when an outfielder is not sure they can make the play. In which case they are deciding if they have a better shot at the ball then the infielder. So if an infielder has made a call, then an unsure OF will back off. Some times the infielder is unsure they can make the play as well. This appeared to be one of these difficult situations.

Jones could have made a play on it but it would have been a full speed head long dive to the ball. Not a sure catch by any stretch. It appeared Roberts had a better shot at the ball which is likely why Jones never called it.

Roberts definitely had a chance to catch it; his glove was nary a few inches from the ball and he wasn't fully extended. But it was a tough over the shoulder full speed catch. Brian may not have expected to make the play so he didn't call it.

However, this can be simplified. One of those guys needs to just man up, decide they are making the play, and make a call. Without fear of another player colliding with you I believe either player would have a better chance to catch it. This is were more practice comes in. They more the do this with another the more confident they will be to make the call and attempt the spectacular play. I'm not sure how long it takes for this chemistry to develop. It could take half a season or so.