I had this mad idea...
But before we get to it, let's stomp on a rumour. These things take on a life of their own, and I have no doubt that we're going to be hearing versions of it from now until the next manager is hired. But let's try to strangle the ugly baby in its crib, okay?
As some of you know, former MLB GM Jim Bowden posted the following tweet the other day:
"If I was pushed to stay another year I would...but if I'm asked to step aside I will"...Cito Gaston...Blue Jays should bring him back
Bowden was presumably plugging his radio interview with the manager. What Gaston actually said was:
If I was pushed to stay another year, that's fine, but I think they really need to get somebody in here that's going to be around here two or three, maybe three more years, and I don't intend to stay that long -- one way or another.
The next day, after being questioned on the subject, he added:
In my mind? Yeah, it's pretty final that I'm going to leave. I've said it a few times, and I think it's best for the ballclub. I think they'll get somebody in here that's going to be here for a few years. As I told him, if I was a little bit younger, and I wanted to be around for two or three more years, which I think that would be OK, then I'd probably be kicking and screaming to stay here. But that's not the case for me. If I do come back, it would only be for one year, so what is that going to do for anybody unless it gives them time to find who they want? But Alex, I'm pretty sure he's on the job looking right now. It's OK. I'm ready to go. No problem.
Not quite the full Sherman, but about as near as you could get, I would think. But I assume we're going to hear about it going forward nevertheless...
Anyway, here's my idea. Dream with me, if you will.
Imagine baseball if.... they ran the bases clockwise instead of counter-clockwise.
That's right - Lyle Overbay, Gold Glove third baseman. (He'd be standing in the same spot on the field as he does now, but that would of course be third base.)
There would be a premium on athletes who threw left-handed to cover the three infield positions - a much smaller part of the population would have to supply the talent. You wouldn't waste LH throwers in the outfield, or at first base, and if they could hit even a little you probably wouldn't have them pitch, either.
Fewer LH pitchers would be a wonderful thing for LH batters, of course.
Is there something in our DNA that says if we're going to travel in something resembling a circle, and finish where we started, we're going to be turning left the whole time? Whether it's the Indy 500, or the 1500, or speed skating... what's up with that, anyway?
I'm right-handed by the way. No axe to grind here!
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20100811104923793