Who is the backup?

[Caveman Catfan]

I realize there is disappointment. I get it.

I also realize that the trolls that have been silent this year and those that have not had much to pick out will flock to the feeding trough after a disappointing loss.

But, I really do not get fans complaining about starters, even when they have bad games or make mistakes, and acting like some All-Pro is the backup at that position. "Get player X out. He sucks." These comments are head scratchers. Even when the point is valid, it assume the staff has decided to play a bad player over a great or better player.

Really? Is that what you really think?

 

[Uptown Catfan]

Even when the point is valid, it assume the staff has decided to play a bad player over a great or better player.

Huh? I don't think it assumes any such thing. I think that it represents fans expressing the opinion that perhaps it's time to give another scholarship athlete an opportunity over ones who routinely are failing to get the job done. Sometimes it's a matter of simply giving that other kid a shot - if nothing else than to send a message to the starter that he better pick it up - and sometimes that backup seizes the opportunity, and never looks back.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

That is a rather naive approach, IMO. Give thee guy who could not beat out the starter a shot? Yeah, I think coaches deserve more credit than that. That is a roulette approach to coaching.

 

[Uptown Catfan]

What's naive is sticking with a player who is not getting the job done because he looked the best in practice. Practice against your own guys which, is the only way they have to judge but, you have wait until game time to really determine who will perform the best once they turn on the lights. Based on your system it seems, competition ends with camp and, a starter only loses his spot to injury.

It's Coach Stoops - not Pope Mark. He's not infallible.

 

[Tskware]

Why play Gehrig? Wally Pipp is a fine first baseman . . .

 

[Caveman Catfan]

Why play Gehrig? Wally Pipp is a fine first baseman . . .

I love it. It is an extremely well known story for a reason. But, let's pretend that is not the case. LOL!

 

[Uptown Catfan]

I guess that's the point - you don't know until the next guy goes in. Maybe Barker is Gehrig - maybe he's not. Clearly Towles isn't.