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Is Gerald Laird Really That Bad?
There are times when the fans in this town turn, almost in unison, against certain athletes. On the brink of becoming one of those players is Tigers' catcher Gerald Laird.
Laird made a key blunder in the Tigers' loss to Kansas City Wednesday. He dropped a throw at the plate, allowing Kansas City to score the go-ahead run, and setting off a chain of events that led to a 7-3 defeat.
It was a painful loss. The Tigers would have won another series. Obviously, it was not the ideal way to head into a road trip West against better competition.
Laird was 0-for-6 in Game 163 against the Twins last season, failing in the clutch. He hasn't hit a a home run since July 3 of last season - a span of 237 at bats.
What is not fair about Laird is that his considerable defensive skills - particularly throwing - are often overlooked.
Do I think he is the Tigers' answer as an every day catcher? No. Manager Jim Leyland caught him too much the first four months of last season, and Laird clearly wore down as a result, and he hasn't really recovered at the plate. But I do feel he can be the part of a solid platoon with Alex Avila, and that it's possible, maybe even likely, Laird will find his hitting stroke at some point of the season? Yes.
Random Thoughts
- Bottom line about John Kuester as the Pistons coach: He did nothing to indicate he is the solution, but was given a free pass on this awful season that, thankfully, ended Wednesday. It's why he is returning for next year.
- Ben Roethlisberger clearly has issues. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell would be wise to suspend Roethlisberger for a game or two under these circumstances. He is just another player making the league look back. A message must be sent. A strong one.
- Here some advice for the Red Wings before Game 2 of their opening round series against Phoenix Friday: It's playoff hockey. Start hitting like it.
Laird made a key blunder in the Tigers' loss to Kansas City Wednesday. He dropped a throw at the plate, allowing Kansas City to score the go-ahead run, and setting off a chain of events that led to a 7-3 defeat.
It was a painful loss. The Tigers would have won another series. Obviously, it was not the ideal way to head into a road trip West against better competition.
Laird was 0-for-6 in Game 163 against the Twins last season, failing in the clutch. He hasn't hit a a home run since July 3 of last season - a span of 237 at bats.
What is not fair about Laird is that his considerable defensive skills - particularly throwing - are often overlooked.
Do I think he is the Tigers' answer as an every day catcher? No. Manager Jim Leyland caught him too much the first four months of last season, and Laird clearly wore down as a result, and he hasn't really recovered at the plate. But I do feel he can be the part of a solid platoon with Alex Avila, and that it's possible, maybe even likely, Laird will find his hitting stroke at some point of the season? Yes.
Random Thoughts
- Bottom line about John Kuester as the Pistons coach: He did nothing to indicate he is the solution, but was given a free pass on this awful season that, thankfully, ended Wednesday. It's why he is returning for next year.
- Ben Roethlisberger clearly has issues. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell would be wise to suspend Roethlisberger for a game or two under these circumstances. He is just another player making the league look back. A message must be sent. A strong one.
- Here some advice for the Red Wings before Game 2 of their opening round series against Phoenix Friday: It's playoff hockey. Start hitting like it.
Labels: Gerald Laird Alex Avila Jim Leyland John Kuester Ben Roethlisberger Roger Goodall
posted by Pat Caputo at
11:57 AM
6 Comments:
Book, I'm in total agreement with you that Laird is a quality defensive catcher. The dropped ball yesterday at home was not typical Laird.
But his bat leaves does much to be desired and makes it hard to continue defending him.
Sounds like a 3rd baseman that half this town is in love with and the other half hates.
I think Avilla in time can become as good defensively - maybe.
It's a tough position to be in - sacrafice defense for offense. We already do that at 3rd and short.
I don't think Laird's our biggest problem right now. But I know a lot of people that didnt want him back this year
Count me among those who think Laird is a detriment to the team. I defy anyone, ANYONE, to show me a stat that says the amount of runners he may throw out at second base (I won't count throwing out runners at third since any average catcher does that) makes up for the number of runners he leaves in scoring position. Or the number of times he does not advance a runner with a productive at-bat. And please, do not give me the 'he handles pitchers well' bit. Any catcher can do that given time behind the plate.
Pat, Avila should be getting more playing time. I would use Laird late in the game on the games Avila catches. That way Avila gets more starts.
Fred Brill,
The one thing good about it is that Leyland does have some options here. A left-handed or right-handed bat, a look at what is needed against opposing teams and putting Laird in to stop running game, if necessary.
Caputo
Steve,
I think it depends on the opponent. There are some teams that can't run much. Against those teams, the Tigers might be better served to play Avila.
Caputo
Barry,
Good point. You can always bring Laird in late in games.
Caputo
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