Loading ...From the DDN:
Things have changed, Dayton Dragons manager Donnie Scott was saying prior to Monday’s game, and not in a bad way.
“When I played,” said Scott, “we took batting practice, infield and played the game. Now, we’ve got guys putting in work beginning at 1 p.m.
“And it’s not like we’re asking guys to do this. Everyone’s starting earlier and getting the repetitions. A lot of colleges and even high schools are putting in all the early work, and guys are going to personal trainers.”
Not only are the players putting in the time, the organizations are, too. Some days at Fifth Third Field look like extensions of spring training with the extra work the players put in on fundamentals such as bunting, baserunning and hitting the cut-off man.
“I’m usually the first guy at the park, before noon,” Scott said. “Today I come in about 10 after and (center fielder) Drew Stubbs walks in. I asked him where his shadow (shortstop Chris) Valaika was. He was already here.”
I don’t know if this is normal for minor leaguers, this team, or these guys, but they’re working hard and they’re winning. You have to believe that’s not unrelated.
wait, teams actually practice bunting? I wonder if this novel concept will ever make it up through our organization.
C’mon, Andy, let’s not talk crazy….
I don’t know if it’s typical or not, but I like to hear it. Combined with the fact that we have some real talent at Dayton, a strong work ethic from these guys can’t hurt.
Of course, when they get to the bigs, who knows what will happen? Edwin Encarnacion has always had the reputation as a hard worker, but Jerry Narron thinks he’s a slacker. And maybe he is a slacker now (Narron is in a better spot than I to judge that); but if something has changed about that work ethic, I’d like to know why.