The Buck factor is real and last night was the perfect microcosm. The umps now basically defer to his knowledge of the rulebook, which is fascinating to watch, unless you're on the other team.
I totally believe in Lindor but clearly Buck has made a difference in how he's settled in.
The controlled aggression on the bases and taking smart risks is also not a coincidence. John Berti could take a lesson in that.
Lastly, to see the confidence level of Walker, Smith and Sugar, even when things aren't going perfect, was also a takeaway last night. As was Buck knowing that Ottovino was the right guy to pick up Smith in that situation. Ottovino will get himself in trouble with walks, no doubt, but he's good when cleaning up a mess.
If Jake and Max are healthy for October we have as good a playoff team as anybody and probably a better one.
The Buck factor is real and last night was the perfect microcosm. The umps now basically defer to his knowledge of the rulebook, which is fascinating to watch, unless you're on the other team.
I totally believe in Lindor but clearly Buck has made a difference in how he's settled in.
The controlled aggression on the bases and taking smart risks is also not a coincidence. John Berti could take a lesson in that.
Lastly, to see the confidence level of Walker, Smith and Sugar, even when things aren't going perfect, was also a takeaway last night. As was Buck knowing that Ottovino was the right guy to pick up Smith in that situation. Ottovino will get himself in trouble with walks, no doubt, but he's good when cleaning up a mess.
If Jake and Max are healthy for October we have as good a playoff team as anybody and probably a better one.