I did not think * David Ross would fall into the category of baseball players and managers who think that Fernando Tatis, Jr. Swinging at a 3-0 pitch in a seven-run game with two remaining exchanges was what made horrible sense. But, well, seeing how much that whole thing really pisses me off, I was hoping to hear his perspective. En I was hoping he would say the right things.
He the!
I asked #Cubs manager David Ross as he, as a former catcher, has a problem with someone running 3-0 and a ‘big’ lead.
“If a boy wants to swing, I have no problem with that, especially not if they are one of the best players in the game.”
Full quote below. pic.twitter.com/YaQEWyMozh
– Russell Dorsey (@ Russ_Dorsey1) August 18, 2020
Overall – and I watched video to get his tone too – Ross does not seem to be super into it elk of game with unwritten rules, and I think he underlined it by pointing out the offenses in what counts as ‘bush league.’ Teams still move when they’re on their way into the game, so the hitter would not have to go all out yet?
Moreover, it is not as if it was an obscene blowout. A seven-run lead is perfectly healthy, but there were still two innings left for the Rangers to bat against one of the worst bullpens in baseball (who just lost her closer, Kirby Yates). Do not tell your boys not to compete in that situation – Ross wants his boys to keep their plan on the plate, even if that includes swinging at a 3-0 pitch.
The mention of Tatis, a young superstar, as “one of the best players in the game” also made another subtle point: why should we be able to limit baseball? Let the best players do their thing, even when they are young. Do not act like you should learn ‘the ways’ of baseball.
Dollars for donuts say the players at the Cubs here appreciate Ross’s perspective, as suggested yesterday by Anthony Rizzo, and in no uncertain terms claimed by Steven Souza, Jr .:
If you get mad at me for turning 3-0, you better throw me an automatic ball when it’s 0-2 and when you’re up. I spit on 3 pitches, it’s my choice to swing or not, do not tell me when I can swing, because you can not throw strikes. @tatis_jr let no one make you so bully.
– Steven Souza Jr. (@SouzaJr) August 18, 2020
