Control Factors in Boston
Leave a commentJanuary 11, 2011 by Gary McCoy
Harold Reynolds was on MLB Network’s HOT STOVE today- speaking about the Adrian Gonzalez Trade to the Red Sox.
“Balls that died for him in San Diego’s Petco Park Right Field will be in the Seats in Boston”- Reynolds explained. And you know what- he’s probably right… IF:
1. Gonzalez’ Bat Speed remains constant following Shoulder Surgery in the off season,
2. Compensation Patterns don’t emerge from the surgery which affect bat speed and control,
3. Age doesn’t begin to take it’s toll on the hitter’s visual acuity,
4. The Cool thick Boston Air doesn’t dampen balls lofted that direction,
5. The Overall visual environment adapts to Gonzalez ability to square up the inside pitch,
6. The American League Pitchers don’t pitch differently in Boston knowing Pesky’s Pole looms close by,
7. The pressure of playing in Boston with a significant contract doesn’t surpress the athlete – forcing him to push- affecting his timing.
None of this is designed to rob Sox fans of the excitement of Adrian’s arrival, but rather- from a Sports Performance Perspective, multiple factors come into play. Fenway Park- while dimensionally in favor of Gonzalez, my mean success… maybe.
So what should the athlete do?
Which of these is the most important to try to control?
Many can’t be controlled.
So what DO you control? Simple answer- What You CAN control.
In Life- as in Sports- there are only TWO THINGS:
(1) Your Attitude, and
(2) Your Behaviors.
At the Major League Level- the positive performance attitude and behaviors SHOULD be known.
Focus controls on these and you have done your job. And Maybe- Just Maybe- 31 in Petco may make for 40 in Fenway.
Good Luck Adrian.
