Noibody admires Gar more than I. Still, in the early days of the team's offensive turnaround I found myself among those who say "show me over time" regarding the enduring value of Edgar's contributions as a hitting coach. Alas, the team's turnaround did continue into September. One aspect of "show me over time" is show me over a month or two when you're not out of the playoff chase, when the pressure's on. Nobody will be more pleased than I if my skepticism proves unfounded. I'm not skeptical of Edgar, just the long-term effect of a hitting coach.
But I am also a believer in personal forces as a significant factor in team success. So I'm definitely open to Edgar not only as a technician but as a personal force, a confidence builder, an infectious mentality that comes from proven success. Part of what could sustain what Edgar helped build in 2015 would be an equally helpful supporting culture from the entire organization. No doubt JeDi wants to bring this. We'll just have to see if what he (JeDi) produces is in line with what he says he wants to do.
Thanks for the article, Doc.