Andy Van Slyke on Duncan

[Phyrkrakr]

I agree with this. I think we can see improvement on the balls that he gets to, but he just inexplicably drops. There were two notable ones in the playoffs.

But what will likely never improve are those instincts and first step. I think some people just have the inate ability to judge where a ball is going off the bat, and as it flies through the air. I don't think Duncan has that. We watch MLB caliber OF's so long that we think it's easy. It's not--there's a heck of a lot of spin on balls, and a lot of room they have to cover in the OF. Some people aren't cut out to be MLB outfielders, even if they can hit at that level.

--P--

I think you're putting too much weight on instincts and not enough on teaching. It's the old nature v. nurture debate, except wrt outfield ability. MLB caliber outfielders have had years of experience judging fly balls, and that's what makes them able to adjust for spin, etc. Obviously, it's not entirely one or the other, but I'm a firm believer that judging fly balls is something that can be taught.

That first step can be taught, and, while Duncan won't ever win a Gold Glove, he can at least not embarrass himself out there with some practice. The guy's played, what, three seasons in the outfield? You have to give him some time to adjust. Yes, he was the worst in the outfield last year. Yes, he'll probably be below average again this season. But at some point, he'll stop being a defensive liability, or at least be a small enough one that his bat (hopefully) will outweigh the cost of his defense.

[greenback44]

I think you're putting too much weight on instincts and not enough on teaching. It's the old nature v. nurture debate, except wrt outfield ability. MLB caliber outfielders have had years of experience judging fly balls, and that's what makes them able to adjust for spin, etc. Obviously, it's not entirely one or the other, but I'm a firm believer that judging fly balls is something that can be taught.

I think this is about as likely as Bo Hart learning how to judge a curveball.

The guy's played, what, three seasons in the outfield?

I take little consolation from this. Many years ago the Cardinals plopped a reasonably mobile, healthy position player with a decent arm at 1b. I'm guessing we're seeing the reason for this decision. He'll improve, but he's still going to be awful out there.

[maddash]

I think you're putting too much weight on instincts and not enough on teaching. It's the old nature v. nurture debate, except wrt outfield ability. MLB caliber outfielders have had years of experience judging fly balls, and that's what makes them able to adjust for spin, etc. Obviously, it's not entirely one or the other, but I'm a firm believer that judging fly balls is something that can be taught.

I think this is about as likely as Bo Hart learning how to judge a curveball.

I know your just using the curveball as an example, but I think this comment still applies: the learning curve for batting skills and defensive skills are two entirely different birds (IMO). And that fact alone leaves room for significant improvement on the defensive spectrum

The guy's played, what, three seasons in the outfield?

I take little consolation from this. Many years ago the Cardinals plopped a reasonably mobile, healthy position player with a decent arm at 1b. I'm guessing we're seeing the reason for this decision. He'll improve, but he's still going to be awful out there.

What 1st baseman are you talking about? Albert Pujols? Doesn't he a present a good case that a reasonably mobile, healthy position player with a decent arm can be plopped into a new defensive position and archive Gold Glove caliber success?

[raddy]

I don't think Pujols playing first is a good analogy ---at all

Pujols proved he could play the infield (3rd) and the OF (LF) very well.

First base is probably the easiest position to play in baseball--Pujols was /is a perfect first baseman--soft hands, reach, etc.

Duncan has no real good gifts to play the OF IMO