Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, was on the Dan Patrick Show Friday. Patrick addressed it with him, saying I don't want to sit through a 3 hour game to watch 4 home runs and 30 strike outs between the two teams. Roberts told him he hated it too, but that's the way the game is played now. And even the players' agents are telling them that home runs get you the big $$$. Not batting average. Not RBI's. Not doubles. Not steals.
I was like, well you're the damn manager. You can't tell any of your players to sacrifice a player over?
Play the “right way” and you’ve got multiple problems.
1) Managers make a fraction of what players do. And they know it. Can’t risk alienating the egos in the clubhouse by asking them to put the team first.
2) ESPN. How do ego-driven players make the fat stacks and sell the most merchandise. Getting that face on ESPN. Hitting bombs. Espn isn’t going to show a perfectly executed bunt. They will show some jackhole launching one into the seats.
3) if you manage the “right way” you not only risk alienating the clubhouse. You also make it difficult for the team to attract big-name players, the kind that put fans in the seats.
4) Fans. Most only have a superficial understanding of the game. They don’t give a shit about seeing bunts or runners moved over. They want to see fireworks. Hell, I’ve even heard casual fans complaining over a pitching duel and a 1-0 win.