Who thinks the artificial surface around

[coach66]

Home plate has wreaked havoc on our catchers? I think it has been a big part of our problems with catching.

 

[drt7891]

We have given up runs on pb/WP on the road, too. I may run the numbers later, though

 

[JacksonDevilDog]

The issue has more to do with our catchers.

 

[MaxwellSmart]

It causes problems but our catchers are the bigger problem. At least Walker kept the balls close enough today that only one runner got on base with a strikeout in the dirt/turf. Personally I don't like it but it's not up to me.

 

[Philly Dawg]

Maybe they can't get used to either.

 

[ronpolk]

Home plate has wreaked havoc on our catchers? I think it has been a big part of our problems with catching.

I think it could have something to do with our catcher problem. However, it does not seem like opposing catchers struggle as much as ours do.

 

[Resolved]

BINGO!! Why do you think we added the brick wall behind home plate?...

Home plate has wreaked havoc on our catchers? I think it has been a big part of our problems with catching.

For the "bounce back"! Seriously, I think the turf is a huge factor in our catching problems. Balls do weird **** off carpet vs dirt. We'll get used to it over time, I hope, but one season isn't enough time.

 

[godlluB]

I think it's definitely a factor. We have young catchers and the baseballs seem to bounce off of that rug like a trampoline. That's not a good combination.

I also think that every time Wes Rea comes up to bat, he takes a look around and thinks, "Man, this rug looks stupid." and he looks up just in time for strike 3.

 

[Todd4State]

I thought the batters boxes were still dirt?

I think the problem is Gavin Collins is a freshman who has to learn how to catch and Zach Randolph is a walk-on.

The other teams catchers don't have any problems.

 

[79dawg4life1]

will the home plate turf get replaced annually?

Just wondering about the wear and tear on this surface. No one appeared to get hurt on it. But around home plate where traditionally the players dig a hole in dirt to get ready, they now don't. However, the home plate area is one spot that will see more wear and tear.

 

[godlluB]

I thought the batters boxes were still dirt?

Nope, the whole home plate area has more shag carpet than a 70's porno.

 

[patdog]

Haven't watched just a whole lot, but Tennessee's catchers had problems. I think Collins needs to be tried in the outfield this fall. I know he's a freshman, but I don't get the impression he was a good high school defensive catcher either. I do know that he's too good at the plate to not be in the every day lineup, and for 9 innings, not 1+.

 

[Shamoan]

i dont think it has helped anything.

its bush league on top of that. one could argue that if its affecting the catchers, that it is also affecting the hitters as well. whether or not it actually is is debatable, but the argument could be made.

 

[thekimmer]

Agreed. I wonder who's bright idea it was to install that crap.

 

[patdog]

Completely agree. Just a terrible thing to do to our baseball field. Still have no clue why Cohen thought this was a good idea.

 

[jumpdawg]

passed balls that never hit the dirt have nothing to do with the turf

 

[drofdirt]

He probably had a brain fart similar to the one that led to moving the outfield fences in! Has that helped us hit more HR's? Enough said.

 

[bulldogcountry1]

Completely agree. Just a terrible thing to do to our baseball field. Still have no clue why Cohen thought this was a good idea.

His rationale was that they take thousands of swings on turf in the cages, in practice, and in BP, so it only made sense to change it to turf. It would make sense to me if the pitcher was grooving a 60 fastball in the game too, but they arent.

Either way, I don't think it makes much difference, performance-wise. I just prefer dirt.