++ Once again, Gutierrez has above-average speed as does ANY CF in the Major Leagues. Much more important than the marginal differences in speed are the fact that Gutierrez is EXTREMELY skilled in the field. This was covered extensively in the other thread, and you never counter-pointed the specific points (tracking the ball, jumps, routes, knowing where the ball falls so you can go full speed, etc.).++
For example, on the contention that Gutierrez gets a great jump, my 'counter' was:
(1) Every ML center fielder gets an outstanding jump on the ball.
(2) In a 100-meter race, the difference in 'jump' is a matter of inches.
(3) Most fans can't discern a good jump and a bad one, anyway. Who, for example, gets a weaker jump in the AL? I'll wager that few of us could answer that.
When somebody claims a "great jump" for Gutierrez, ask them who they think gets a poorer jump. Even the TV guys. You think they could tell you? Then what is their basis for claiming this "great jump"?
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IMHO it is the differences in *jump and angle* that are extremely subtle when you compare Hunter, Granderson, Upton, Gutierrez, Hamilton, etc. It is the difference in *footspeed* that is NOT subtle. It would show up as 3-5 feet in a 30-yard dash. That 3+ foot advantage is reflected in their ability to steal a base successfully.
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I've covered all of these points in detail, but I'm body-surfing a Tsunami of love towards Gutierrez. :- )
I'm glad that M's fans have a fave player. That's cool. I'm not going to spend the rest of the summer telling people not to be excited about their boy. ;- )
Cheers,
Jeff
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