Spring Day 5: 1/31/25

[ErickMarreroU]

Scheduled to start at 3:45-4pm. 8 innings. I will not be in attendance.

 

[Sebastian Font]

Nick Robert on the mound to start

 

[Sebastian Font]

He’s sitting a consistent 94 and spotting the fastball up well

 

[Plymouth99]

He’s sitting a consistent 94 and spotting the fastball up well

Thanks for the update....
Stuck in my office dealing with Xfinity.

 

[Sebastian Font]

Still a sloppy day defensively.Nice home runs from dorian and Evan Tavares. Tanner Smith continues to surprise people with his hitting. Pitching looked pretty solid all around. And again Galvin just continues to hit

 

[scane]

Smith looked filthy

 

[Sebastian Font]

Smith looked filthy

Absolutely hosed two or three guys on the bases today

 

[scane]

Absolutely hosed two or three guys on the bases today

Really a good day for Smiths all around. I was thinking Will, but good call on Tanner. He’s really living up to his defensive billing.

 

[Canesfreak]

Smith looked filthy

One of the only positions I can somewhat evaluate is at catcher (my son’s position, and mine as a kid). Smith’s technique is textbook. He literally seems to do everything correct from that position. I watched him block a ball in the dirt, step to the ball, handle it and throw out the runner trying to steal like it was scripted. He is going to win some games for us at that position.

 

[Sebastian Font]

Really a good day for Smiths all around. I was thinking Will, but good call on Tanner. He’s really living up to his defensive billing.

Also Will too! He came in and looked great, gonna be a guy who they can consistently rely on

 

[Sebastian Font]

One of the only positions I can somewhat evaluate is at catcher (my son’s position, and mine as a kid). Smith’s technique is textbook. He literally seems to do everything correct from that position. I watched him block a ball in the dirt, step to the ball, handle it and throw out the runner trying to steal like it was scripted. He is going to win some games for us at that position.

His health might be the most important factor in wether this team repeats last year or becomes much better

 

[Lance Roffers]

One of the only positions I can somewhat evaluate is at catcher (my son’s position, and mine as a kid). Smith’s technique is textbook. He literally seems to do everything correct from that position. I watched him block a ball in the dirt, step to the ball, handle it and throw out the runner trying to steal like it was scripted. He is going to win some games for us at that position.

Something baseball people tell me often is we still don't value catcher defense enough in our data.

Stealing strikes is an obvious part, but just handling the running game, keeping pitchers engaged and focused, vocal communication at catcher is something most fans wouldn't even consider, but they call everything out there.

Then add to it the blocking, throwing, and leadership of the spot, and you can underrate the good ones quickly.

As a Cardinals fan I can tell you how easy it is to see the difference with their catchers now and when Yadi Molina was back there.

Hoping Tanner brings some of that to the club this season.

 

[CTCANE]

How is this kid Cuvet looking? I heard he is pretty good.