Q.  What about the deep ball to the power alley?

A.  I can admit that on a quick-reaction ball, Guti's reactions (if they exist) could neutralize his slow footspeed.  And yes, Gutierrez is SLOW compared to Austin Jackson.  End of story.  :- )

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I can also guarantee you that on a routine deep ball to the power alleys, that Denard Span and Austin Jackson and Cameron Maybin can read the ball.

I played CF and LF, and can assure you that the easiest play in baseball to read, is the high fly ball hit directly between the outfielders, over your head.  If you can't read that with ease, you can't play Pony League, much less A+ ball, much less start in the majors.

Cool Papa and I would also agree that it on precisely this kind of deep ball, that track speed weighs most heavily.

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Yet it is on precisely this kind of ball -- the one to the left-center fence -- that Mariners fans think Franklin Gutierrez outruns the 10.2 track guys.

Say what?

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:- ) This is precisely what has Dr. D chipping his teeth about this Great Debate, that on the very play that I know the fast guys shine --- > fans think this play is Guti's specialty.

That play is Safeco's specialty.  The ball hangs the most, on the 4-second fly ball to the power alley.

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Q.  Does SSI believe that Franklin Gutierrez reads the ball well?

A.  For sure.

I sit there in the 300 deck year after year, starting in like 1976, and I will sign off that Franklin Gutierrez is one of the most natural, fluid CF's I've ever seen play. 

Will sign off in a heartbeat.  This kid is a fish in water out there.

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No ML center fielder plays like a high schooler, though.  Peter Bourjos has been groomed to play a great center field.   It's like catching.  None of those guys are technically weak.  The 30 guys playing CF in the majors are the best in the world, technically.

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Guti is at least as instinctive as the young Ken Griffey Jr. was, and he's more so than Mike Cameron was.

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