This week Buck discusses Kyle Drabek’s debut, gives thoughts on some former Jays and provides his take on Derek Jeter and instant replay.
PETER ASKS: Hi Buck, I was wondering if you could give us your thoughts on Kyle Drabek’s debut. How do you think he handled himself? Have you had a chance to speak with him one-on-one? Thanks.
BUCK: Peter, I thought he handled himself very well. I spoke to his dad* after the game and we both agreed after back-to-back hits by Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis to start the game and only allow one run was a great sign that he didn’t get rattled. He had a 1-2-3 second inning and seemed to be off and running. One thing Cito Gaston was watching for was whether or not he saw the “deer in the headlights” look and we didn’t see that at all. He obviously has a ways to go before we know what we have but the first impression was a good one and I am looking forward to September 22, when he starts against the Mariners. *EDITOR’S NOTE: 1990 Cy Young Award winner Doug Drabek
ROB ASKS: Hi Buck, with Jose Bautista breaking George Bell’s season home run record of 47, can you talk a bit about what kind of player and teammate Bell was? Thanks.
BUCK: George Bell was a very good teammate. He played hard, loved to win and was one of the smartest hitters I have ever played with. He was a little rough around the edges, but some of that can be explained by the language barrier of not speaking much English when he first came to the big leagues. He wasn’t the best outfielder that ever played left for the Blue Jays but he was one of the best hitters in franchise history. He could play on my team any day.
KYLE ASKS: Hi Buck, what is your opinion on Derek Jeter pretending to get hit by a pitch vs. the Rays on Wednesday night?
BUCK: Kyle, I think it is in the realm of trying to win the game. He reacted so quickly that the umpires assumed it was a hit by pitch. It is no different than Jeter swiping his glove at a base stealer missing the tag and “selling” that to the umpire. It also happens around the bag at second all the time. As long as he didn’t break the rules I applaud his quick thinking. But it also brings to light the possibility of expanded replay which I have always been against. (Read the next question about Jeter’s play and my response.)
BILL ASKS: Buck, having listened to you for many years I have come to value your insight and opinion on the game. I wanted to know what you believe the game needs to do to attract new viewers, what changes should be considered? Thank you.
BUCK: Bill, I think the younger viewers are anxious for technology and a better viewing experience. We are trying to add things like lower angles and better slow motion replays to enhance the viewing experience. Also it is important to bring the players personalities to the fans and we can do that by interviews away from the baseball park where you may see more of who he is than what he is. Finally, even though I have been happy with the instant replay to this point, I think the Jeter play in Tampa Bay last week shows there may be room for expansion of the instant replay. If there was a fifth umpire in the press box to review the bunt play in which Jeter was incorrectly awarded first base, the play would have been resolved in 10 seconds and Jeter would have been charged a foul strike and the game would have been continued. As it was called, Jeter was given first and Curtis Granderson hit a go-ahead homer in the next at-bat. Good for the Rays, they came back to win, and justice was served.
JAMES ASKS: Hi Buck, I was deeply saddened hearing the passing of longtime member of the Jays scouting staff Al LaMacchia. Yourself being a long-serving member of the organization, do you have any memorable stories you would like to share with us? Thanks.
BUCK: Al LaMacchia had a dramatic impact on several organizations, most notably the Braves and the Blue Jays. He was a tremendous scout and talent evaluator who drafted and signed players including Cito Gaston, Dale Murphy, Dave Stieb, David Wells, Jim Gott, Lloyd Moseby and Jim Acker. While with the Dodgers he recommended they trade for Andre Ethier, which worked out pretty well. Al also had a love of the game that made him a special guy to talk shop with. He will be missed by many, many baseball people including myself.
KEVIN ASKS: Buck, when the batter is in the box they never seem to look back at the catcher and I notice some catchers sometimes lean to one side as if the pitch is targeted to that side. Is the batter allowed to look at the catcher while in the box? Would it distract or mislead them if they did? Thanks.
BUCK: Kevin, that is the best way to get a big bruise on your back. Look back to see where a catcher is sitting during your at-bat and you can count on getting drilled. “You want to see where the ball is? I’ll show you.” Batters always notice where the catcher is set up to catch a pitch but never while they are hitting. It is not illegal, but not kosher. Cliff Johnson, my former teammate, was always looking back during the casual conversation as he waggled the bat back and forth pretending to be concerned about your recent hot streak or your family. He was only having that chat to see where the catcher was going set up, inside or outside. I always told him before he got into the batter’s box, “Cliff my family is fine, I am swinging the same as always and don’t look back.” His response was always the same, “Oh come on Buck, you don’t think I would do that do you?” It’s a part of the game I really miss.
MARK ASKS: Even if they make the playoffs, do you think the Minnesota Twins will choose to shut down Justin Morneau so as not to risk his long-term future? Can you give us any update on the young slugger? Thanks.
BUCK: Mark, the last I have heard Justin is still working out with the team but not doing any baseball activities because of the problems dealing with post-concussion symptoms. The injury occurred on July 7 at the Rogers Centre when he slid into second and his head hit John McDonald’s knee. The Twins will not use him until he is 100 per cent healthy again. The sad part is that the same thing happened to him last year with a back problem that keep him from playing in the post-season. I hope he can get right and be back before the first round begins on October 6 but I don’t expect that to happen.