11-19-2009, 07:04 PM
Scarey, Sipes,
Butch and me (and our like) are not in ANY way against guys who have 5 tools. That would be insane.
But the <i>term</i> "5-tool ballplayer" comes from a time from WAY before advanced metrics added a lot to our understanding of the game. It's an archaic term from another era, like if one of your friends used the word "Bitchin'" to describe everything...at some point you have to say to yourself "Uh, have you been Rip Van Winkle-style asleep for 20 years?"
Also, it's inevitable that when talking about "5-tool guys," it becomes implied that all 5 tools are equal in value. In actuality, the ability to <i>hit</i> is like Mt. Everest compared to the rest of the tools. And yes, "hitting" includes knowing enough to lay off pitches out of the strike zone.
Many writers have mentioned that there should be included in the discussion a 6th tool: pitch recognition/plate discipline. As Patterson, Pie, Francouer and hundreds of others have found out, that one "tool" trumps all the rest.
Butch and me (and our like) are not in ANY way against guys who have 5 tools. That would be insane.
But the <i>term</i> "5-tool ballplayer" comes from a time from WAY before advanced metrics added a lot to our understanding of the game. It's an archaic term from another era, like if one of your friends used the word "Bitchin'" to describe everything...at some point you have to say to yourself "Uh, have you been Rip Van Winkle-style asleep for 20 years?"
Also, it's inevitable that when talking about "5-tool guys," it becomes implied that all 5 tools are equal in value. In actuality, the ability to <i>hit</i> is like Mt. Everest compared to the rest of the tools. And yes, "hitting" includes knowing enough to lay off pitches out of the strike zone.
Many writers have mentioned that there should be included in the discussion a 6th tool: pitch recognition/plate discipline. As Patterson, Pie, Francouer and hundreds of others have found out, that one "tool" trumps all the rest.
There's nothing better than to realize that the good things about youth don't end with youth itself. It's a matter of realizing that life can be renewed every day you get out of bed without baggage. It's tough to get there, but it's better than the dark thoughts. -Lance