Sublime Soth/Gammons Ramblins

More pics from spring training... These photos were taken of a base-running/fielding drill on Saturday 3/21 at the practice field directly west of the stadium from approximately 10:30 to 11:00 AM.

This drill included AAAA and others players (not sure of the playing level of the others). The AAAA players included Brandon Wood, Sean Rodriguez, Erick Aybar, Ryan Budde, Jeff Mathis, and Maicer Izturis. The drill was recounted in this post from Peter Gammons.

The purpose appeared to be threefold:

1. Increase catcher’s awareness in 1st and 3rd situations (whether or not to make the throw to 2nd on steal attempt by runner at 1B).
2. Make 2B/SS aware of options for play at 2B/HP.
3. Help base-runners on 3B understand how to read and pressure the defense.

The picture below is of Gammons right after completing a conversation with Sosh, and right before the drill started...

This is Sosh explaining the drill and what he expected from he participants. Sosh was the batter in this exercise (that explains the bat)...

Sosh came out several times with corrections to when he perceived a lack of awareness. Here, his comments are directed at SS...

Wood and Budde awaiting their turns running 3B to home...

 S-Rod making it home… safe! ...

The Soth is impressive. He obviously commands a lot of respect. He corrects players efforts while still joking around a bit. Good man. Great manager!