Pirates adjusting techniques based on rules
Now that instant replay exposes every little detail, it is no longer enough to simply beat a throw to the base – the runner must also stay on the best throughout the entire slide because if he pops off the bag at anytime he will likely be called out on replay.
Unfortunantly for the Pirates that has happened a couple times this season and the team has certainly taken notice.
"We've got to eliminate this instant replay-hold the ball on his hamstring until the sun comes up and hope he pops off the bag by the hair of the chinny-chin-chin," Pirates third base and baserunning coach Rick Sofield told Pirates.com. "[Polanco's] not the only guy this is happening to. The instant replay is changing the game."
Pirates manager Clint Hurdle knows that instant replay isn't going away anytime soon so the team has discussed what it can do to alter the way they teach players to slide.
The Pirates are working on sliding and making sure players stay on base the enitre time because the consequence is just too great.
"It's a factor," Sofield said. "We can't afford to lose those stolen bases."
(h/t Pirates.com)
Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
