Comments on: Open Thread Thursday | December 17th, 2009

By: Casey

Casey — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:24:46 +0000

I wonder if Matthews has to cite himself. “On paper, the Yankees…” He has said that EVERY year for the last 10-12 years. I suppose he has to be right once in a while.

By: crossword pete

crossword pete — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:11:44 +0000

Quote from Bob Matthews (Rochester D&C); “On paper, the Yankees have one of the most impressive lineups in baseball history. They can’t match Boston in pitching depth, but it might not matter.” Obviously, he does not subscribe to the theory that pitching/defense wins championships. Until now I was sitting on the fence on this issue, but after knowing what Matthews believes, I am now 100% behind the “defense wins” theory. He is NEVER right!

By: Gino

Gino — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:55:52 +0000

Casey,
If pitching is 90% of the game and you consider pitching to be defense. Both of them are quite accepted principals, than your statement makes sense and you’re completely correct.

But I can not make that statement about the importance of pitching, because I’m biased. I’m just too close to my playing days.

By: Rey

Rey — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:32:13 +0000

Some things never change…….

By: Casey

Casey — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:08:39 +0000

Gino,

Long time no see. Happy to have you back on the pine. You gotta leave your mathematics background behind and look at the theory (offense wins games…) from an abstract perspective. A good defense creates the confidence necessary to allow the offense to work through any problems.

By: Gino

Gino — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:43:58 +0000

I know I’m joining a bit late, but offense wins games and defense wins championships?? I thought you had to win games to win championships!! But don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the vice-versa, I’m just saying well-rounded teams win them both.

Is pitching part of the defense? I’ve seen pitchers field their position, but I’m not touching this one.

The Halladay trade could have been done in July. Only difference is that the prospects that they traded for him were untouchable at that time. So I say would the Phillies be back-to-back champions if the trade was made earlier?

Halladay is one of the best pitchers of this period, but to assume that he can win 20 games with an inferior defense is just out of this world. He only did it twice in this decade and he had a major league defense behind him.

There were a couple of other arguments and examples I wanted to shoot down( like the comparsion of Lee & Sabathia prior to Lee’s breakout season) but I guess I’ll keep it short for now

By: mikesmasterpiece

mikesmasterpiece — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:00:01 +0000

I will actually be attending Syracuse vs Louisville as well as Syracuse vs Georgetown. Good thing im not a procrastinator!

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:15:52 +0000

I didn’t say it wasn’t in the discussion, it’s just a different beast than other defensive positions in other sports.

By: Wally

Wally — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:20:59 +0000

Tiger is an awesome defensive golfer … that’s why he wins so many chan’ships!

Just remember … I’m not saying it’s not defense that wins titles … Im saying that it can be offense too. And with great teams … like dynasties … it’s usually both. I think it’s pretty clear that the ’09 Yankees were offense oriented.

Yes, Pitching is indeed part of the defensive side of this discussion. Sorry, Dan …. but I do appreciate your support!

By: Casey

Casey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:12:42 +0000

Oh and I included T. Woods in this piece: http://www.pickinsplinters.com/2009/12/13/rebounds-put-backs-december-13th-2009/