Speaking of Boston, I see where Big Poppy was shot in the D. R. tonight. I think it was to a leg, but no word yet as to his condition. Americans have been dropping like flys over in the Dominican of late, so if you’re planning a road trip over there, you may want to reconsider. It looks like next to Chicago, the Dominican Republic is the riskiest place on earth……we all are painfully aware how our Redbirds have been getting killed there of late. The place where Lyman Bostock got plugged, Gary, Indiana, wouldn’t make my top 5 vacation locations either. Let’s pray for Big Poppy.
This team lacks intensity, it lacks fierceness, it lacks the killer instinct. There is no one to anchor this team. Lights are on, nobody is home. They can’t motivate themselves, and Shildt can’t motivate them. This is a talented roster. I just hope MO doesn’t panic and give away the farm for Bumgarner or Stroman. Neither of them is the answer that this team needs. This team needs a player that will start playing like he means it.
The “no intensity” element is hard to tangibly gauge, but it’s there if you are looking. Fowler’s bunt was a case in point. If he hustled out of the box, instead of being half spectator, he would have been safe. As a result, Bryant’s lack of 3B bag coverage wasn’t nearly so costly to the cubs. Running hard is one thing each player can control. Pretty weak of the broadcast trio to not mention it.