MLB: D-backs learn Kirk Gibson’s style on the fly

Grab some bench Kronecker…we have a new ball field theory!

One negative of taking over a club midseason is that the manager’s philosophies can sometimes differ from those of his players.

...With one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth and Arizona up, 11-0, pitcher Sam Demel fumbled a grounder hit by David Eckstein but still tried to get the out at home. Chris Denorfia, who was on third, scored safely, while Eckstein reached first to keep the bases juiced.

“For me, 100 times out of 100 times with an 11-run lead you turn and throw it to first, take your out and it’s 11-1. It’s a 10-run lead, they’ve got four outs left to score 10 runs,” Gibson said. “I like that better than a chance to score 11 runs with five outs. That’s just the way I was taught the game and developed my theory, my belief of the game.”

Demel’s play was just one of many that has made its way to a list Gibson keeps, which—after each game—he writes down mistakes and positive plays the D-backs make. Sometimes, he’s able to talk to the team about it. Other times, it’s not a big enough issue to discuss with the whole club.

Gibson’s hope is that, should he shed his interim label, he’ll be able to go through the list and share his philosophies throughout the entire Arizona organization.