Willie has looked like a starter all season so far.  Ozzie has done a great job of getting him good match ups.  Plus he looks like he isn't afraid to steal a base.

The problem with Willie, and I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere, is that he never head first slides. I know it's a preference thing, but it's my preference that he not waste outs by sliding feet first.

 

If you think about it, the feet first slide is definitely slower. I can't say how much, but if it's 1/5 of a second slower, that's obviously what's hurting him. It's obvious that he's got speed. That theoretical .2 seconds is a big deal.

The problem with Willie, and I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere, is that he never head first slides.  I know it's a preference thing, but it's my preference that he not waste outs by sliding feet first.

 

If you think about it, the feet first slide is definitely slower.  I can't say how much, but if it's 1/5 of a second slower, that's obviously what's hurting him.  It's obvious that he's got speed.  That theoretical .2 seconds is a big deal.

 

 

Good point. It is also that much harder to get get around the tag. You have so many options with the head first slide to evade the tag. Players should only do a feet first slide if they know for a fact that they are gonna be safe. Which doesn't happen often since most stolen base are contested.

Timo can start due to injuries/sickness.

 

But...can Ozzie not bat him 5th? That's all i ask.

The problem with Willie, and I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere, is that he never head first slides.  I know it's a preference thing, but it's my preference that he not waste outs by sliding feet first.

 

If you think about it, the feet first slide is definitely slower.  I can't say how much, but if it's 1/5 of a second slower, that's obviously what's hurting him.  It's obvious that he's got speed.  That theoretical .2 seconds is a big deal.

 

 

Good point. It is also that much harder to get get around the tag. You have so many options with the head first slide to evade the tag. Players should only do a feet first slide if they know for a fact that they are gonna be safe. Which doesn't happen often since most stolen base are contested.

 

Both real good points. I know I love to slide headfirst, just for the last second flexibility it provides. If the tag looks to be coming from one side, you can yank the hand back, and throw in the other one.

 

The feet first slide is also good if you want to stop quickly, or be able to get back on your feet quickly. A headfirst slide doesn't give you that.

Good point. It is also that much harder to get get around the tag. You have so many options with the head first slide to evade the tag. Players should only do a feet first slide if they know for a fact that they are gonna be safe. Which doesn't happen often since most stolen base are contested.

 

 

Qwerty, I have to know is that Eliza Dushku in your signature there?

Dye is struggling, no doubt. But so is Timo this guy is battin 120, I know he has had proably have the at-bats as Dye, but Timo is doing just as bad. Dye should be starting. He's a 25-80-275 guy his whole carrer sometimes even better.