Several very important and positive things from last night.

 

1) JP bunted.

 

This is a good sign because we pushed Castillo over to second and that is the definition of small ball. Plus, it keeps the defense honest and forces them to make a play to throw out JP. And Peanut needs to be more aggressive with his bunting - if you dont use it you lose it. He needs to get back into that mentality of getting on base no matter what and being aggressive. I would like to see him bunt in every at bat one game. I know, crazy, but who would expect it and that pumps up this team. Creates havoc...

 

2) Conine hitting to right side.

 

Cabs had a lead off double. Conine came up and on the first pitch hit it to RF. It was fielded very nicely by Franco, amazingly, but that is the kind of thing I like to see. It was hit hard and placed nicely. Looked like Fudge last year - take the outside pitch to RF. That is also a sign of Conine coming out of his slump - which was only a matter of time. I still say you put him at 3 and our offense is good for another run a game and threatens more.

 

3) Sending Miguel on lazy fly from 3rd with 2 outs.

 

This is debatealbe, but, I like the aggressiveness. We could have stood on third and waited for the next hitter to come up but we forced the Braves to make the play to get us out. That is good, smart, aggressive baseball. They made a hell of a throw - and it was VERY close (it looked to me like the tag was high and Miggy got in there...). That is a good sign that management is getting back to the aggressive playcalling we had last season. I knew we would miss Ozzie Guillen - but if we can do things like that, we will make up for it.

Good analysis Jonny!

 

 

 

I still think Conine needs someone like a Finley to spell platoon because he has been overworked IMO to this point. His injury may be finally gone as has been shown by his hitting the past few games. He absolutely crushed the ball to deep center in the 6-1 loss. And that is the deepest part.

 

 

 

Another good sign was Migy hit his first homer off a lefty THIS year. Maybe he is breaking out of his slump against lefties.

I liked that too, Very good to see...besides Dontrelle not having his A game it was a good overall team game

I agree with sending Cabrera. Anything other than a perfect throw and he scores. The way we are hitting with 2 outs, it's better to take your chances when you have them.

I agree Jonny.

 

This team needs to be more agressive.

Of course you send Miguelito in that situation. That was a tremendous throw and you're safe like 8 outta 10.

Thank you Jonnylons. You pulled it from my head.

Tonight though, we regressed in some areas. I am going to post those in another thread...