An element to the too-great debate over Yasiel Puig is this idea that his flaws – such as missing the cutoff man – will cost the Dodgers a victory.
Putting aside the phony idea that occasional on-field mistakes should negate all the positive Puig brings to Los Angeles, there’s also this:
Hitting or missing the cutoff man is usually presented as a black-and-white tale of good vs. evil, ignoring the fact that sometimes, to throw out a baserunner at home, you are absolutely going to miss the cutoff man.
Saturday, the Dodgers won by one run, a margin arguably carved out by nothing less than Puig missing the cutoff man to nail Rene Rivera trying to score on Andrew Cashner’s two-out, fourth-inning single.
Puig could have easily hit the cutoff man on this play – and the Padres would just as easily taken a two-run lead with their leadoff hitter coming up to bat. Which outcome would you prefer?
Vin Scully sure didn’t seem to mind: “Puig does it again,” he exclaimed. “He just airmails it, a hopper, just to Federowicz, who just plants and makes the tag. Oh, to be 22 and a Dodger – wow!”
The key, obviously, is to know when to go for the play at home and to know when to focus on the trailing baserunner. Guess what: three months into his major-league career, it’s okay that Puig is still learning about how to make this choice with major-league baserunners. It really is.
If his decision-making on throws home is the worst thing you can say about his game between the lines, that is really extraordinary.
On Saturday, Puig went hitless (three times with runners on base) and was caught stealing with a 2-1 count on Adrian Gonzalez, yet made one of the biggest plays of the game. Something to remember the next time he knocks three hits and all anyone wants to talk about is hitting the cutoff man.
* * *
With rosters expanding today, the Dodgers have kicked things off by officially recalling Drew Butera, Stephen Fife, Dee Gordon, Peter Moylan and Scott Van Slyke.
The Dodgers’ 2.07 ERA in August was their lowest in a month since April 1981. The top five:
1.59 September 1965
1.93 April 1981
1.93 September 1976
2.03 September 1966
2.07 August 2013
Los Angeles also had its second-best month by winning percentage.
.850 April 1977
.793 August 2013
.792 July 2013
btimmer
But if you miss the cutoff or don’t throw to the right, then Don Mattingly will lecture Puig like Jimmy Dugan talking to Evelyn Gardner. It would all end in tears.
KT
Go BLUE!!!!
WBBsAs
I’ve heard of Mattingly and Puig, at least…
Bob_Hendley
Its well worth your time googling this one.
WBBsAs
I’ve seen parts of the movie, can’t remember any of the characters’ names.
JJJameson
Give me Puig’s aggressive, engaged play anytime over the conservative, phoning-it-in, by the books play that may avoid extra mistakes, but also avoids extra wins. Any player can make a mistake that can cost a game. But, not every player can bring the energy that Puig brings. Enjoy it while its there. It may be what takes LA into the WS.
Bumsrap
Is it possible to throw the ball low enough that the cutoff person has a choice to let it go the catcher or cut it off and still get the runner yesterday? How many tenths of a second more does it take for a two hopper to get to the catcher compared to a one hopper and how many times does it make a difference?
To be honest, I would prefer to just let the Manager work with Puig, same with Johnny Manziel, instead of having it adjudicated everywhere constantly. I appreciate Jon’s level minded support for Puig. After all, Puig’s glass is 85% full.
Jon Weisman
You certainly can aim to the cutoff man and let him decide whether to let go through or not – that’s the whole point of the cutoff man. But I don’t think that’s always the most effective throw to get a runner.
Bumsrap
I don’t disagree but if that is the plan, shouldn’t the Manager have something to say as to when the play should be to home as he does when bringing the infield in?
Linkmeister
Those four months other than this one all resulted in Dodger appearances in the World Serious. Correlation may not equal causation, but in those cases it rhymed.
berkowit28
The Dodgers did not get to the WS in 1976. You may be thinking of 77 or 78. But it makes me curious as to who were the rotation in 76. I’ll go look it up, unless Bob T. replies here first.
berkowit28
Sutton, Rau, Hooten, John, Rhoden
ASW1
That’s right when I really started becoming a big MLB fan in general and a bigger Dodgers fan in particular – I was 9. Loved that rotation.
Linkmeister
Yeah, ’76 was the hated Reds. I was thinking of those two back-to-back years.
WBBsAs
I really disliked those Reds teams.
Linkmeister
The Big Red Machine!
KT
Dodgers lineup:
Crawford LF
M Ellis 2B
Gonzalez 1B
Puig RF
Ethier CF
Uribe 3B
A Ellis C
Punto SS
Greinke P
Bumsrap
Since rosters expand now I am okay with the acquisition of Young. He can give Gonzalez and Uribe more rest and can be a better choice against the very best pitchers than players that usually take bigger swings. If Young plays well, then he should make the playoff roster.
I am okay with Van Slyke being the main right side hitter off the bench and used to play corner ourfield and 1st base against tough lefties. His time might be next year. I don’t want Young back in 2014.
John G. Blanchard
Oh, the non-debate between the hardliner “hit the cutoff” types and the coaches who realize that it’s pretty hard to argue with a guy who has talent enough to make a throw that misses the cutoff man but still get the guy. You said it right, Jon–it’s nuance. Sometimes you really need to track the guy who is following the runner and not let him advance to 3rd (or 2nd) but the fun of playing the OF (I’m an outfielder! Still!) is taking that risk. It’s like everything else in life (like stealing 3rd with 0 or 2 outs)–if you make the play, it was the right play, if you don’t you’re an idiot.
It’s a complicated, game theory deal, and it’s very important to not be constantly allowing guys to advance bases willy-nilly, but in game theory, sometimes you have to choose to go for a low-percentage play just because, right?
Oh, and Jon, this quote:
“You certainly can aim to the cutoff man and let him decide whether to let go through or not – that’s the whole point of the cutoff man. But I don’t think that’s always the most effective throw to get a runner.”
That is the heart of the issue. I love that you bring up these wonky baseball discussions, and always, always without being overheated. If coaches acted like some of our fans and nearly all of our talk show hosts, there would be coach-icides going on all of the time. These guys are Ath-uh-letes, thoroughbreds!
Bob_in_Vegas
Here’s to a sweep . . . for obvious reasons, but also Scooplew and his mom are there!
Bob_Hendley
I believe that he and especially his mom deserve a welcome on the scoreboard or, better yet, a word from Vin!
KT
Good inning Zack!
John_from_Aus
I was disappointed Puig’s throw didn’t make it on the fly :)
KT
Good eye CC!
KT
Agon is so slow
ASW1
He kinda stumbled in the batters box – took him awhile to get going – I think he’s the only guy on the team who gets thrown out on that play.
Jeffrey Thomas III
He stood there thinking the ball was caught and by the time he got up and running he had no chance. But yeah everybody else probably beats the throw.
Bumsrap
Maybe Puig will counsel him to not assume anything.
TAFKA_Gagne55
“A Gonzalez lined out to pitcher, C Crawford to second.” Could somebody explain this? How does a guy advance on a lineout?
WBBsAs
Off the pitcher’s glove, catcher retrieved it and threw to first.
TAFKA_Gagne55
Ah, I see. So not really a lineout at all then.
WBBsAs
It was a liner, but pitcher failed to catch it, and it went off his glove in front of him as he swiveled.
John_from_Aus
If it said ‘lined out to catcher’ that would be even more confusing
WinnipegDave
That would be brilliant!
KT
Ken Gurnick @kengurnick1m
Adrian Gonzalez is flexing his left ankle after hitting the first-base bag hard on his first-inning at-bat.
ASW1
Good thing we picked up Young
KT
Jewels shaken but not stirred
ASW1
Right in the solar plexus
Bob_in_Vegas
Darn walks . . . darn when you give ’em up, that is!
TAFKA_Gagne55
Again? Padres draw first blood three straight games.
ASW1
Dodgers getting some work in on their comeback abilities – so far, so good.
KT
And Again we come right back
KT
now let’s score some moar runs
KT
Puig! http://i.imgur.com/LIDk0Wf.png
Bob_in_Vegas
For all his speed, Puig needs to have a sit-down with Lopes to learn about stealing bases. Maybe bring in Maury.
Bumsrap
Wills had a few more years in the minors than Puig.
ASW1
Lopes one of the best ever at reading pitcher’s moves – Puig fortunate to have him, hope it translates.
KT
I think next year he’ll be so much better because he’ll have seen these pitchers a few times
ASW1
Yeah, was just thinking much more than just raw speed goes in to stealing bases – no substitution for experience.
KT
Zack!
KT
Zack Speed!
ASW1
Well, Greinke sure gave it his best shot that inning.
Bumsrap
Who would be the Larry Sherry for the Dodgers in this year’s World Series?
WinnipegDave
Chris Withrow
Bumsrap
I like it.
KT
Great inning Zack
KT
PUIG!!!!
ASW1
Puig won’t need to try to steal a base this time.
KT
Los Angeles Dodgers @Dodgers4m
Zack Greinke is the first #Dodgers pitcher to record two stolen bases in a single season since Orel Hershiser in 1987.
Dodgers PR @DodgersPR1m
No Los Angeles #Dodgers pitcher has ever stolen 3 bases in a single season. Clarence Mitchell stole 3 bases in 1921.
ASW1
Such a smooth, sweet swing.
Bob_in_Vegas
Maybe the batters have decided to not (abundantly) support Cappy and Zack . . . and they’ll bust out for Kersh manana . . . of course it’s in Denver, not one of the Kid’s favorite places.
ASW1
See any brooms in the stands???
scooplew
No.
ASW1
Gnats up 5-1 on Dirty Snakes bottom 7
KT
Los Angeles Dodgers @Dodgers6m
Yasiel Puig’s home run carried forever. For-ev-er. Watch: http://atmlb.com/171AygT #TheSandlot
scooplew
Greinke had retired 11 in a row, had thrown 95 pitches and still looked strong.
ASW1
Another great performance by Greinke – now bring home the W scoop!
scooplew
I will take no credit, but seconds before the homer I told my mother that Puig needed to take the next pitch downtown, which he did.
RBI
Okay, Paco.
ASW1
Paco is nails.
RBI
Seven pitches. Seven.
WinnipegDave
And one was a pitch out!
KT
Deadly
WinnipegDave
Man, the Padres play us tough. Good stuff Paco!
KT
MEllis!
ASW1
Time for some insurance runs
RBI
Time for KJ to work his magic.
WinnipegDave
One more for 100k.
WinnipegDave
100!
KT
Ball Game Dodgers Win!!!! 26 games over .500, Magic Number is 18!!!!
Jansen has 17 consecutive saves and 24 out of 27
Good to see we really improved our home record (43-28)
Heading to the road where are record is second best (38-27)
won 24 of last 30 gms (.800) in August, 34-8 since ASB (.810) , 51-13 since 6/22 (.797), 58-23 since Puig (.716)
11 gms ahead of the Dbags, 2nd largest lead by a division
leader
Dodgers 2.5 games back of the Barves for MLB’s best record
Last 21 series 16-1-4
http://i.imgur.com/AMbO5zV.jpg
RBI
Speaking of nails…
KT
Magic Number
http://i.imgur.com/6ASNyUm.png
John_from_Aus
KT, are you sure that is the same photo, becauseI think everytime you post that picture, they are looking just that bit happier each time :)
John_from_Aus
Kenley at the moment is untouchable
ASW1
Best pitching staff in baseball
WinnipegDave
It’s like Kershaw and Greinke and Ryu and Nolasco and Paco and KJ and pray for… more baseball tomorrow!
WinnipegDave
Paco and Puig both do something special on the inaugural Cuban Day at Dodger Stadium!
RBI
Love sweeping the Padres. I’m still mad about Zack getting tackled.
Linkmeister
Huh? I just got home from taking Mom to an 87th birthday brunch, so I missed the game. What happened to Zack?
WinnipegDave
RBI means when Zack had his collar bone broken earlier in the year.
John_from_Aus
and link lets out a big ‘sigh of relief’
Linkmeister
Oh, that episode. Right. Thanks.
RBI
Maybe it’s time I let that incident go…
John_from_Aus
That was back in the day of the ‘old dodgers’
KT
Hard to let go when the SD announcers kept bringing it up today
RBI
Really? What were they saying?
KT
showed replay (twice) saying how it was all greinke’s fault and that they had history…SOS
RBI
Unbelievable…
Linkmeister
Heh. Don’t do it on my part. Sometimes grudges are healthy!
John_from_Aus
Reds, D-backs and Braves all trailing, Pirates lost, this could turn into an even better day
KT
…unless some strage shit happens in Atlanta
http://i.imgur.com/OAhKteg.jpg
KT
Run differential for the Dodgers:
285-161 since 6/22
105 – 72 6/22 – ASB
189 – 93 second half
KT
Dodgers are in 2nd place in the NL standings.
2.5 games behind the Barves….Barves keep winning but We got this…Go BLUE!!!!
http://imgur.com/O3LYcVJ
KT
Magic number update
http://i.imgur.com/VzfyeS4.png
ASW1
Droppin’ FAST
KT
Standings update
http://i.imgur.com/5ztANB4.jpg
KT
Assured of winning record today need to go 19-7 to get to 100 wins
ASW1
Amazing – considering they’ve been playing at a .797 clip for over two months now, that .730 they will need seems easy. Crazy.
KT
yep…amazing is all I can say…don’t remember us ever playing like this…great year to be a Dodger fan
KT
Los Angeles Dodgers @Dodgers3m
RECAP: @YasielPuig goes deep to back Greinke and help lead #Dodgers to 2-1 win over Padres: http://atmlb.com/1dyU3lY pic.twitter.com/UWYHiJWowR
KT
Los Angeles Dodgers @Dodgers3m
Papi is ready for lift off! #HappyFlight pic.twitter.com/GkkdEJo6aU
ASW1
PimpDaddy – Hilarious
foul tip
Anyone know if Young is with the team yet?
ASW1
Meeting them in Colorado I believe.
ASW1
Time to Q up some ribeyes and corn on the cob – Holiday weekends and Dodgers victories – life is goooood.
KT
NL standings:
http://i.imgur.com/oIXTv7a.jpg
KT
http://imgur.com/ZCH3LV3
WBBsAs
The Dodgers may win 100 games, but will need to go into a 19-7 slump to do so.
KT
Anthony Jackson @dodgerscribe24m
Greinke postgame video, what there is of it http://dodgerscribe.com/greinke-postgame-video/ …
KT
The wall in the Dodgers visiting clubhouse now has a huge hole where the bathroom door handle when into it…wonder when this happened…wasn’t there in yesterday’s interview
http://imgur.com/zAhZYGA
Bob_Hendley
Dark Cloud Department: The Pad,s lose means giants no longer in cellar.
KT
temporary set back
KT
Eric Stephen @truebluela3m
Zack Greinke was stealing second base on his own. Asked if he got a steal sign Greinke said, “They didn’t say not to go.”
KT
Eric Stephen @truebluela3m
Kenley Jansen, who has a 1.86 ERA, 100 K & 12 BB this year: “I’ve only been doing this for 4 years … I’m still getting to know my stuff.”
WBBsAs
So we’ve had to put up with his learning curve.
foul tip
Was looking at box score and noticed Paco’s ERA is 1.85 to his 1.86.
I think it’s called an embarrassment of riches.
KT
Los Angeles Dodgers @Dodgers2m
Watch @kenleyjansen74 reach 100 strikeouts for the season while closing out today’s win: http://atmlb.com/171UVuj #whiff
ASW1
One view of the Michael Young trade :
http://www.thinkbluela.com/index.php/2013/09/01/weighing-in-on-the-michael-young-deal/
ASW1
Love the quotes regarding Zach’s stolen base :
Greinke also went 1-for-2 at the plate and is hitting .347/.429/.388 on the season, but the main topic of conversation after the game was his steal of second base, and specifically his headfirst slide. Though Mattingly said he wasn’t worried.
“You know what? These guys are athletes, these guys are players. When you start putting them in a box and wrapping them up that’s when they get hurt,” Mattingly said. “This guy is a baseball player.”
The slide was instinctual for Greinke.
“It was a last minute decision. I thought it was safer than going feet first, but maybe I was wrong,” he said. “It felt more comfortable going head first.”
from : http://www.truebluela.com/2013/9/1/4684544/zack-greinke-location-dodgers
Jon Weisman
NPUT