OK, Spring Training opens in about 6 weeks... time to start this yearly thread.
The only new and positive development I can think of since Shap-eye-ro came aboard is the hiring of sports psychologist Angus Mugford and the emphasis on the mental aspects of the game... something they have been lacking on and I have been carping about on these threads for years -- much to the chagrin of some people here!
During their years of success in the '80's and early '90's the BJ"s had a counseling psychologist on staff part time (someone that I know) and I think it was a great help to them. Traditionally this is something that is part of the coaching staff's job, but Gibby is totally out of his element on this aspect of the game.
I think it could have helped the likes of Ricky Romero and several others and, hopefully, will help turn Hutchison's career around. Maybe Loup, Delabar and Jenkins can benefit, too...
I hope it really helps because, other than that, I am deeply troubled by Shap-eye-ro's emphasis on the bottom line and seemingly marginal interest on winning.
The BJ's need more good pitching and a good back up for Martin and have some good trading prospects in Saunders/Revere/Carrera, Colabello/Smoak and Travis/Goins with which to do it.
I am not too optimistic about Shap-eye-ro's or Atkins' talent (especially compared to Beeston and AA) to improve the team... as their experience with the Indians shows...
Hold on to you hats, folks... it's going to be a wild ride this year.
Hopefully, I am wrong about my pessimism. :Eek:
Perry
The only new and positive development I can think of since Shap-eye-ro came aboard is the hiring of sports psychologist Angus Mugford and the emphasis on the mental aspects of the game... something they have been lacking on and I have been carping about on these threads for years -- much to the chagrin of some people here!
During their years of success in the '80's and early '90's the BJ"s had a counseling psychologist on staff part time (someone that I know) and I think it was a great help to them. Traditionally this is something that is part of the coaching staff's job, but Gibby is totally out of his element on this aspect of the game.
I think it could have helped the likes of Ricky Romero and several others and, hopefully, will help turn Hutchison's career around. Maybe Loup, Delabar and Jenkins can benefit, too...
I hope it really helps because, other than that, I am deeply troubled by Shap-eye-ro's emphasis on the bottom line and seemingly marginal interest on winning.
The BJ's need more good pitching and a good back up for Martin and have some good trading prospects in Saunders/Revere/Carrera, Colabello/Smoak and Travis/Goins with which to do it.
I am not too optimistic about Shap-eye-ro's or Atkins' talent (especially compared to Beeston and AA) to improve the team... as their experience with the Indians shows...
Hold on to you hats, folks... it's going to be a wild ride this year.
Hopefully, I am wrong about my pessimism. :Eek:
Perry