APIAD wrote:

109sb to 26cs. Imo it is more than speed. I think the coaching staff is doing a much better job.

Been meaning to ask since noticing the farm all had losing records a couple months ago, but what's the impression of what Stubby Clapp has brought to the Cardinals? His record with Memphis was outstanding. Yes, there was talent but also a lot of movement to the parent club. Just wonder how much he may have to do with the improvement in fundamentals this year.

JV wrote:

APIAD wrote:

109sb to 26cs. Imo it is more than speed. I think the coaching staff is doing a much better job.

Been meaning to ask since noticing the farm all had losing records a couple months ago, but what's the impression of what Stubby Clapp has brought to the Cardinals? His record with Memphis was outstanding. Yes, there was talent but also a lot of movement to the parent club. Just wonder how much he may have to do with the improvement in fundamentals this year.

It's a good question. I think a lot of the improvement on defense has to do with Goldschmidt playing first. Edman has been an upgrade defensively at third. And I think the guys in the middle have gotten better. The shortstop may not have the best range, but if he gets to the ball, he makes the play. And the defense at second base has been sublime. Gold Glove caliber.
As for the outfield, Fowler has played well in right, and he's certainly an upgrade defensively over Martinez. Bader is the best defensive centerfielder they've had since Edmonds.
To answer directly, I really don't know how much of an impact a first base coach or a manager has at the major league level. On one hand, the players are professionals who by the time they get to the majors do most of what they do by rote. I sometimes think almost anyone can manage a major league baseball team. It's not integral calculus.
On the other hand, there's obviously a big difference in the Cardinals since Shildt took over the team. You hear baseball analysts say managing in the major leagues these days is more about what goes on in the clubhouse than what goes on in the dugout. Maybe it's a simple as a guy like Shildt bringing a different attitude or a different message.
But I also think there are guys who are better at tactics and are just baseball smarter than others. Look at the way Dave Duncan managed a pitching staff. Listen to Edmonds in the broadcast booth. He knows what's going to happen before it happens.
 

artie_fufkin wrote:

JV wrote:

APIAD wrote:

109sb to 26cs. Imo it is more than speed. I think the coaching staff is doing a much better job.

Been meaning to ask since noticing the farm all had losing records a couple months ago, but what's the impression of what Stubby Clapp has brought to the Cardinals? His record with Memphis was outstanding. Yes, there was talent but also a lot of movement to the parent club. Just wonder how much he may have to do with the improvement in fundamentals this year.

It's a good question. I think a lot of the improvement on defense has to do with Goldschmidt playing first. Edman has been an upgrade defensively at third. And I think the guys in the middle have gotten better. The shortstop may not have the best range, but if he gets to the ball, he makes the play. And the defense at second base has been sublime. Gold Glove caliber.
As for the outfield, Fowler has played well in right, and he's certainly an upgrade defensively over Martinez. Bader is the best defensive centerfielder they've had since Edmonds.
To answer directly, I really don't know how much of an impact a first base coach or a manager has at the major league level. On one hand, the players are professionals who by the time they get to the majors do most of what they do by rote. I sometimes think almost anyone can manage a major league baseball team. It's not integral calculus.
On the other hand, there's obviously a big difference in the Cardinals since Shildt took over the team. You hear baseball analysts say managing in the major leagues these days is more about what goes on in the clubhouse than what goes on in the dugout. Maybe it's a simple as a guy like Shildt bringing a different attitude or a different message.
But I also think there are guys who are better at tactics and are just baseball smarter than others. Look at the way Dave Duncan managed a pitching staff. Listen to Edmonds in the broadcast booth. He knows what's going to happen before it happens.
 

Edmonds is probably the most interesting broadcaster to listen to.

artie_fufkin wrote:

 
"Edmonds is probably the most interesting broadcaster to listen to."

Far and away. Grammar and usage aren't always his friends, and in millennial-like fashion he tends for whatever reason to fall back on "super" as his go-to adjective, but he's able to explain what he sees better than anyone else on that crew. And he was awful when he started. 
I would, however, like to see him remove the on-field component from his activities. I understand they've brought him on to mentor Bader, but it's a bad look for FSMW.  Be a coach or be a broadcaster. Don't be both. 

I agree with the one or the other comment.  I dont blame edmonds tho.  I mean it is his Avenue to stay in the game.  He talked the other night about still being able to put a uniform on and hang out in the clubhouse. 

And mo gets a transplant out of the deal. 

Its not ideal but i get why it has happened.