Wahoo's on First » Bruce Fields

Carlos Santana Seeks Balance at Plate with Old Habits

Steve Kinsella — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 16:39:29 +0000

Two clichés are applicable when it comes to the struggles of Carlos Santana. The first is that baseball is a game of constant adjustments. The second is that the key to being a successful pitcher is the abilty to keep the hitter off-balance. Since arriving in the big leagues in 2010, Santana has endured two prolonged slumps and has made two significant changes in his approach in order to develop more balance at the plate. (more…)

Indians Offense Comes Back to Life Against National League

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 04:49:27 +0000

Nothing get the bats going like a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. After a long, nearly month long struggle, the Indians scored 5 runs in each game of the recent three game series against the Pirates, in which they won each game.

This offensive outburst came after the firing of hitting coach Jon Nunnally, who was replaced by Bruce Fields. It is tough to say that the outburst is a direct result of Nunnally’s firing, because the Indians were so hot to start the year, but it is a possibility.

The sweep of the Pirates improved to 6-0 on the season in interleague play, after sweeping the Reds in May. Following the recent series against the Rockies, the Indians are now 7-2 in interleague play on the year, which is still among the best in the MLB. (more…)

Thoughts on Jon Nunnally’s Dismissal

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:31:14 +0000

It was announced before Sunday’s game that hitting coach Jon Nunnally had been let go in favor of Indian’s minor league hitting coordinator Bruce Fields.

There is no question that the offense is struggling, but only some of the blame can fall on a team’s hitting coach. He can try and give players tips on how to improve their swing, but it ultimately comes down to how each individual player performs. The hitting coach cannot control everything each player does.

This move is also interesting considering that the Indians are first in the Central. Also, Nunnally was a well liked coach. This reminds me of the Boston Celtics trading Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Perkins was one of the most liked players on the team, and the players did not take it well when he left. Morale was low, and many were upset. The realization that players in any sport need to come to is that it is a business. (more…)