We're all very aware of the deficiencies of the 2023 and 2022 teams. I thought this would be a good place to talk about the things the organization needs to focus on when the new person is hired. I'm only going to start with a couple so others can add theirs. Please add the reasons for what you list.
These are in no particular order.
1. Focus on defensive and baserunning fundamentals starting at the lowest levels of the organization and in Boston. Know what you're going to do in all situations before it happens.
There were too many instances of mental errors on the bases, not taking the extra base when the odds of success were high and trying to take the extra base where the runners were thrown out by a foot or more.
Way too many times where the cut off man was overthrown or the ball was thrown to the wrong base. Hit the cut off man. Quit letting teams take the extra base.
2. Discipline in the batters box.
The hitters need to work on grinding out more at bats. I know that it's always going to happen, especially with the way some umps were calling balls and strikes, but there were still too many bad pitches swung at.
Stress going with the pitch. Use the entire field. When teams get a reputation for going opposite field the defense stops shifting as much as they are still able to and it opens up more holes. Plus, it helps get to the pen faster. This doesn't matter as much as it used to before the 5 inning start became standard, but it helps.
These are in no particular order.
1. Focus on defensive and baserunning fundamentals starting at the lowest levels of the organization and in Boston. Know what you're going to do in all situations before it happens.
There were too many instances of mental errors on the bases, not taking the extra base when the odds of success were high and trying to take the extra base where the runners were thrown out by a foot or more.
Way too many times where the cut off man was overthrown or the ball was thrown to the wrong base. Hit the cut off man. Quit letting teams take the extra base.
2. Discipline in the batters box.
The hitters need to work on grinding out more at bats. I know that it's always going to happen, especially with the way some umps were calling balls and strikes, but there were still too many bad pitches swung at.
Stress going with the pitch. Use the entire field. When teams get a reputation for going opposite field the defense stops shifting as much as they are still able to and it opens up more holes. Plus, it helps get to the pen faster. This doesn't matter as much as it used to before the 5 inning start became standard, but it helps.