According to this report Kirk Gibson doesn’t sound too enthused about the switch from bench coach to hitting coach.
I’m not sure that I like the move either. While I can definitely see Bruce Fields as a bench coach, I’m not sure I can see Gibson instructing hitters.
Now not being around the hitters or clubhouse, I’m really not qualified to comment on the respective coaches ability, but this is my perception. Fields was a capable hitting instructor in that he could recognize flaws in swings and approaches and communicate those to the players. But at this point, they just weren’t responding. Approaches weren’t changing, nor were swings (see Infante with his bat pointed toward the infield at the beginning of his swing). There are some players who seem to really respond to Fields, such as Craig Monroe, who will probably still go to Fields for advice.
As for Gibson taking over the role, there are some elements of his teaching that I’ll probably like. For example, as an analyst, when guys got in hitters counts (2-0, 3-1), he’d advocate looking for a specific pitch. It wasn’t a matter of swing if it’s a strike, it was swing if its a pitch you can hammer. As for his ability to break down and analyze a swing, I just don’t know.
From the bench coach perspective, Fields has managerial experience and actually seems like a natural fit.
Gibby didnt look too enthused on TV last night. A strange move at this juncture.
I talk to Lynn Heening once in awhile. He mentioned this switch….. two years ago. For one I think it will be fine. Gibby was a fine hitter who had to really work hard at it. His swing was ugly at first and he spent of lot of time watching himself on video. He’ll be good at it, but it limits him to one part of the game where the bench coach is in on everything.
Isn’t this a denmotion for Gibby?
I think Fields should’ve been the bench coach to begin with, given his managerial experience. And though Gibby seems like an unconventional choice for hitting coach, Tram hit on why his approach might provide a needed change. Focus on the mental, rather than technical aspects, of hitting.
I like the moves, the more I think about them. I also like recognizing that SOMETHING had to be done.
I am not sure how Gibby will work out as hitting instructor, will he have the patience and ability to communicate to the younger players?? I hope he can communicate to a veteran or two – like Young!! Can anyone explain to me why, down a run, a man on second, noone out, and facing perhaps the best closer in baseball, why does Young bat righthanded and swing at the FIRST pitch???? I don’t see alot of plate disipline on this team and I sure hope Gibby can teach this group of hitters something about that concept
How much time does Trammel get? If this team finishes below .500, I have to believe he’s in trouble. He may get another year, just because of what he’s meant to the franchise, but I think Dombrowski has to be looking at the numbers and scratching his head as to why we aren’t winning more games. It generally isn’t a good sign when coaching staff changes start happening in mid-season.