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Post by Brett on Jul 16, 2009 12:14:18 GMT -8
Having played first base most of my career, I have my opinions on the importance of the position, but I wanted to hear your thoughts on it.
Is first a position that anyone can play?
How important is it to your team's success to have a good defensive first baseman?
Do we take a good first baseman for granted?
I would love to hear any thoughts...
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Post by cosmo34 on Jul 16, 2009 12:53:37 GMT -8
It's a position anyone can play, but not play well. You still have to get after it, and in some areas, it can be harder than other infield positions. (GB between you and 2B, who covers, how far do you go after it before you bust it back to the bag, less control, have to respond to others more, etc..)
Alot can be attributed to a good defensive 1B. A good one will save 10+ runs a year, and MIF will love them because they make them look good. I feel the Rangers gave Davis a longer leash than they should because he was so good defensively.
GOD YES people take a good first baseman for granted. They are the offensive lineman of baseball. Nobody notices them when they do their job or save a SS trying to make a flashy play, but when a play gets busted, they take the brunt.
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Post by Brett on Jul 17, 2009 14:24:46 GMT -8
Good points Cosmo.
I always hate it when people think they can 'dump' a guy over at first base. Other than the catcher and pitcher, they handle the ball more than anybody else.
When J T Snow played for the Giants he turned mediocre infielders into Gold Glovers (ask Bill Mueller).
How many World Series' did the Yankees win with Giambi over there?
With the exception of Ryan Howard, and to a much lesser extent, Paul Konerko, every World Champion over the past decade has had a Gold Glove caliber first baseman. Mark Grace, Tino Martinez, Derek Lee, Doug Mientkiewicz, Scott Spezio, Pujols, and Youkilis all can/could pick it.
IMO it is the most undervalued defensive position. Anyone care to prove otherwise?
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Post by cosmo34 on Jul 17, 2009 15:06:58 GMT -8
Shawon Duston owes a large amount of money to Mark Grace.
I get that most college coaches don't actively recruit first baseman because they want athletes on the field and a good athlete "should" take to 1st base well, but it always pains me to watch some hack over there butchering plays, not knowing positioning, and missing balls that other infielders made a fantastic play just to get to it.
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kyleb
New Member
Driveline Baseball
Posts: 14
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Post by kyleb on Oct 14, 2009 11:04:16 GMT -8
Perhaps at the MLB level players can be "stuck" there with mediocre results, but this is not the case where the players are human.  It is very underrated. |
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