Runners Dogging It While Running To First

by user Niteowl049

Is it just me or does it seem like runners don't run fullspeed to first like they used to? If a ball is hit directly to an infielder it seems like the runners barely are running on way to first base. If a bad throw takes a firstbaseman off the base he still has time to touch the base before a slow moving runner gets to first base.

I am reminded of the time Carlton Fisk scolded Deion Sanders for not running to first on a foul popup and he was catching at the time. These players are being paid too much to not run fullspeed to first base. It is almost like they have given up and just don't care to give the fans their money's worth. Instead they run like namby pamby lounge lizards to first base not seeming to care whether they make it to first base or not.

Some readers may have examples of a certain player that doesn't run all the way to first. Have heard Manny Ramirez is like that but haven't watched him run to first lately.

SaddleshoeJV Squad

918 days ago

Score 1

Jeter always runs hard. That's the only person I can think of who is consistent about it whom I can think of at the moment. Probably David Eckstein does, too. I can't remember if Cano is consistent. Reyes probably does because he's so fast that he might make it.

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Niteowl049AAA-er

918 days ago

Score 0

You made a good point Saddleshoe in that fast runners run fast all the time because they can turn a routine play into a hit if a fielder is lackadaisical and doesn't throw soon enough. I will start paying even more attention to who runs hard and who doesn't.

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JuTMSY4Legend

918 days ago

Score 0

There's a lot of players who do both...abreu doesn't run it out...Aaron Rowand does, Shane Victorino does, Chase Utley does...

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Niteowl049AAA-er

918 days ago

Score 1

I have a lot more respect for those that run all the way to first...that is a reason right there for me to like Phillies...have always liked hustlers...never bothered me that Pete Rose ran to first on walks.

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JuTMSY4Legend

918 days ago

Score 1

Ha, we've got our fair share of slouches...Pat Burrell can't really run out and and he doesn't run them out unless there's a shot...Freddy Garcia (a pitcher admittedly) didn't run a pop out...at all...and the fans let him know...it was really funny...he ran the next time...

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JuTMSY4Legend

918 days ago

Score 1

say what you want about pete rose...he wanted to win...and he'd do anything to win...

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RomiezzoLegend

918 days ago

Score 1

I've realized that too. It is so true. I cannot believe what is happening to ball players nowadays. They don't hustle at all. They think that since they reached the top already, they don't have to work as much. Guys like Manny Ramirez. WTF is up with him sometimes. He is one of the laziest players I've seen on any field, never mind MLB.

I REALLY enjoy watching players who hustle a lot. Derek Jeter and David Eckstien really stand out. Many people don't know this but David Ortiz hustles a lot. He is overlooked when it comes to that category. Because of the shift that the infield has, he can lay a bunt down and easily make it to first. He's one of those guys where he can score from first on a blooper to right center field most of the time. Some players understand that they have to set an example and that they're getting paid to do their absolute best. Remember the Carlos Beltran play in 2005? Guy on first, 1 out. Second baseman didn't catch it and it ended up being a double play since the runner was tagging up at first and Beltran just watched the ball drop. That goes to show that some players don't need to work and they need to realize that there are thousands of people that are willing to work ten times as hard as some of the players to be in their spot.

I miss guys like Pete Rose. He was known for hustling (his nickname is Charlie Hustle). Even if he got walked, he would run (not jog) to first base. He changed the game a lot. He's one of the guys that appreciated and respected the game, and all of that was overlooked when he bet against his team...

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Niteowl049AAA-er

918 days ago

Score 0

Tickled the fans would let Garcia that he is supposed to run even on popups. He would look silly if a popup was dropped and he was heading toward dugout. I too miss Pete Rose...Manny Ramirez seems to be there just to collect a paycheck and is not going to do anything he can get away with not doing.

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Niteowl049AAA-er

918 days ago

Score 0

Romiezzo, great comment...you are right about these slackers that don't run out balls when the minor leagues are full of hustlers that would give anything to be in their place.

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