Should Gamel be Moved Off 3b?

[DrWood]

More than an error every other game (39 in 72 games). I know the fields can be rough in the low minors, but this seems beyond any excuse.

Are they just going to wait until next spring to move him to corner OF (not like that is a rare commodity in the organization).

[clancyphile]

How about catcher?

[DHonks]

wow, did anyone else see the thread title, and expect Clancy to have a "how about catcher" comment.

 

Seriously, the only reason I'd move him off of 3b soon is because Braun seems to be making the necessary adjustments. I don't see the errors as a problem right now. Remember, every bad-hop ball can be an error or a hit, depending on what the scorer feels. However, he can field bad hop balls, which affect his throw leading to an error. Snagging a tough ball is nice, but when it affects the throw, it shows up as an error not a hit. So perhaps much of it is related to the field conditions.

[BillScottCanRake]

Are they just going to wait until next spring to move him to corner OF (not like that is a rare commodity in the organization).

 

I don't think there is really any need to make this sort of a move in the middle of the season. I know that playing OF is generally easier than 3b, but there is still a transition. There is no need to do now what could easily be done next spring or the spring after if necessary.

 

Beyond that, you never know what will happen during the second half of the season. Something might change, click, whatever and he might only make 10-15 second half errors. If something like that happens, the Brewers might be inclined to keep him at third and see what happens.

 

I think the Brewers are better of being patient, especially with Mat in A+ ball, as opposed to rushing him to a new position.

[bullox]

Deja-vu.

[Boy Jeenius]

They should get rid of his wooden glove and invest in a leather one. Might work.

[brettac1]

I think a fishing net attached to his arm might be better.

[TheCrew07]

ha... the last 2 comments made me laugh out loud. At some point, if he doesn't improve, he'll have to move someplace. I gotta be honest, I don't pay attention to errors because I always assumed he'd be moved so I'm unsure if they are mostly catching or throwing, or split down the middle.

[lexi881]

usually throwing. in a rush. if the ball takes a bad hop and he fields it - then he is in a rush to make the throw to get the out. his bat is what he was drafted for. the comments about the wooden glove and fishing net didnt make me laugh, at all, let alone out loud. sor.

[Boy Jeenius]

Gosh, a bit touchy? I assure you no malace intended. In fact I've been one of the few that harps over and over to others to let kids grow at their own pace, not the impossible pace dictated by impatient fans. I went through a simlar phase in my late teens and early 20's and I can tell you for a fact barbs were thrown at me that were far more cruel. But my performance dictated that I had it coming, and I took all in good humor, (I was given a pitchfork and a wooden glove as "gifts"). Everything turned out fine for me, and I'm sure they will too for Mat. It does come around, once one learns to relax and let the game slow down. That will come as his game matures. It simply takes time and lots and lots of repetitions.

[endaround]

No reason to move him until absolutely necessary. A 3B prospect is worth more in trade than a corner OF prospect.

[DrWood]

If he makes 80 errors this season (has there ever been a brewer prospect with that many?), he's certainly not going to be valued as a third base prospect.

[BillScottCanRake]

If he makes 80 errors this season (has there ever been a brewer prospect with that many?), he's certainly not going to be valued as a third base prospect.

 

Regardless of how many errors he is making now, there isn't any need to make an in season move. What's the rush?

 

If Mat makes 80 errors at third this season (which I don't think will happen), so what?

 

He's making them in A+ ball, not Milwaukee. The minors are first and foremost about player development. He hasn't cost Milwaukee one game in the standings this year. He's still hitting well, so it doesn't appear he's taking any defensive issues to the plate with him.

 

Maybe he'll never play third well enough to stick at the position. But maybe he will. Until there is a NEED to move him, the Brewers won't. And if they do, they'll do it in the off season so they can make sure Mat's ready to play the new position.

[DrWood]

I dunno, if I'm taking grounders off my face, and airmailing throws into the stands, at some point it is going to bother me.

[BillScottCanRake]

I dunno, if I'm taking grounders off my face, and airmailing throws into the stands, at some point it is going to bother me.

 

Grounders off the face? That's a new one...

 

Anyways, that's why so few guys make it to the bigs, and it's why even if I had the physical tools I'd never make it. The mental portion of the game, a players ability to focus on the here and now as opposed to 10 minutes ago, is as important as their physical ability to play.

 

That's why even when he was struggling defensively Braun was still able to pound the ball this spring. Its the same reason that Corey Hart was Southern League MVP even though he struggled defensively at third. Both Braun and Hart knew they belonged in spite of their struggles.

 

As for Mat specifically, the dude has a 31 game hitting streak. I suspect he "knows" his bat will play, and I'd "getting hit in the face" it's not bothering him a whole lot.