re: Does anyone think Jones could have caught that ball?

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I do think that herring being left handed would have had a much more difficult chance to make the play.

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Herring would have had to pick it up cleanly, turn around and fire an absolute missile judging by that replay. But at least his feet would have been set and he's a much better athlete than Alex, who had no business throwing on the run. Herring might not have gotten the out, but he probably wouldn't have thrown it in the shitter to end the game.

In real time, though, I though Alex called for the ball a little too early. I think he misjudged just how far out into the grass that was gonna wind up. If he hadn't called it so early and Herring had kept coming, I think Herring is in a different, closer, better spot to make the play that he wound up being. Like if Alex had never moved and stayed to cover home and Herring knew it was his ball and didn't have to worry about running into anybody, he has a really good chance of getting him. But I've done and seen enough PFPs/bunt coverages to know that just about anybody is capable of throwing it in the shitter at any time and from anywhere.

But speaking of PFPs and bunt coverages, I bet if that was practice, Herring would have been the one making that play. But with all the pressure of that situation, Alex misjudged it, called for it too soon, and threw a ball on the run and from an angle he may never have before in his whole career. I will say, I am at least glad he took charge and took immediate action. We wouldn't have lost on that play (they'd have just tied it up but still had the bases loaded), but I have seen that play where neither are sure who's in the best position for it, are scared of a collision, and neither one of them wind up grabbing it in time and just have to put it in their pocket.

Again, it's hard to say because it lost the game, but I'm glad our Sr. catcher at least acted without hesitation, communicated, and took charge to try to win it. A lot better than all the lack of communication by our OFers lately that has caused some missed balls and a couple of collisions.