Bleacher Bums Forum

Curt,  Steve Stone used to always ask:

"when was the last time you saw an Olympic sprinter dive to the finish line?"

Diving to first is NOT faster than running through, but it IS faster than the last step being a giant leap.

I'm not arguing any of those claims. 

So then, the logical conclusion has to be that since all of the young Cubs who came up CubsWay are kinda dummies? And the Cubs management and CubsWay instructional personnel are dumbos too? 

That's kinda depressing.  Part of the Theo thing was supposed to be having a smart, best-of-everything development system. 

Do the Cubs really slide into first more than other teams?  I've certainly never counted, but it never struck me that there was any huge difference.

I really think guys just do it in the heat of the moment.  I doubt there's any instruction to do so taking place.

I agree.  For the guy who's hustling, busting his ass to first, when he sees it's going to be close, tends to throw his whole body into the effort, logic not withstanding.  I think we are programmed to reach for the prize with our hands, not our feet. 

Curt,  Steve Stone used to always ask:

"when was the last time you saw an Olympic sprinter dive to the finish line?"

I think that no one should ever slide into first base, except in the rare instance of avoiding a tag when the throw is off line.  However, the Olympic sprinter comment doesn't seem to be valid.  A sprinter has to touch the tape with his chest.  This prevents him from merely reaching forward with his had to touch it earlier, which I feel certain would work.

That's really cool, Ron.  Strop has really been good, and what a delightful, easy to like guy he's been.  Great young man and terrific contributor. 

He's become one of my favorite Cubs.