michael barrett's smashed sack

by wheatfield mike on Jun 17, 2007 10:53 AM CDT

i have been thinking about michael barrett's terrible defensive play this year, and although he has never been a great defensive catcher, no one could have imagined he would be this bad.
one has to wonder what is different about this year compaired to his previous years in the league.
FEAR!
michael might not even know he's doing it but i think he's subconciously afraid of the ball. look how terrible he is at blocking balls in the dirt. he hesitates before throwing his body into a blocking possition, and he would rather swipe at the ball with his mit.
i really believe he is gun shy after getting his sack smashed last year. a part of me doesnt blame him, nothing i can think of could hurt worse than a crushing blow to your sack.
so what do you think folks, have i solved the michael barrett riddle? only time may tell.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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I really don't think so. Catching the likes of Wood, Guzman, and Zambrano over the last few years makes me think that he's probably past being "afraid" of the ball. If anything, I'd be interested to hear how he's recovering from his groin surgery last year, and whether he's having flexibility issues resulting from that.

by Damen Jackson on Jun 17, 2007 10:53 AM CDT reply actions

Someone's getting a little teste.

by pies20ready on Jun 17, 2007 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions

::: groan :::

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 17, 2007 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Just....couldn't....help....myself

by pies20ready on Jun 17, 2007 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Agree Damen

I really think all major leaguers, minus anyone who catches one in the bean, aren't afraid of the ball. Without going into detail, 3 years back had a foul tip straight back as I was coming out of my stance to throw down to second and it did some major damage. And I'm not saying its not something I've taken extra precautions for, but when catching if you change anyhting or start moving in different ways, it will expose the part of your body without the protection. You kinda just move on and accept it as a freak accident.

JKuhle "I'd walk through hell in a gasonline suit to play baseball."

by TCobb1911 on Jun 17, 2007 10:59 AM CDT reply actions