Shawn Riggans Does Prep Work

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 4, 2009 12:48 PM EST

When Navarro played, Riggans often spent some innings in the video room, notepad in hand. Other times, he'd hang out in the bullpen, ask questions, catch pitchers to stay fresh.

St. Petersburg Times

This raises a question that we don't really have an answer to: how many players are slaves to preparation work and information, and how many simply go out and play based fully on instincts? How many of the former have the ability to do the latter, and how many of the latter would benefit -- if any -- by doing more prep work? It would seem like a mixture would be best, but perhaps it's not the quantity of information some are looking at, but rather the quality.

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All MLers do prep work and gather information

all of them

by Rays4242 on Mar 4, 2009 1:03 PM EST reply actions

For their steroids prescriptions right?

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 4, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions

zing

Mound Visit

by Mound Visit on Mar 4, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

Example of Manny Ramirez prep work

“Hey, can I get directions to the stadium?”
“How many game tickets did you get for my friends today?”
“Hey, can I get directions to the stadium?”
“You haven’t done what I’ve said. My powerbomb, let me show you it.”
“Hey, can I get directions to the stadium?”
“Which hand would be better for me to sign autographs with?”
“Hey, can you give me a ride to the stadium? I have directions.”

by kericr on Mar 4, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions

He actually is a very, very hard-worker.

Now Adam Dunn on the other hand…

by rglass44 on Mar 4, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions

Asking all of those questions is hard work.

Adam Dunn is appealing MLB to allow him to ride a segway while playing the field. Says running takes too much effort.

by kericr on Mar 4, 2009 6:57 PM EST up reply actions

I'd rather he took batting practice ...

… because learning how to handle a staff is basically irrelevant if you’re going to hit .190/.220/.250. If John Jaso is basically “replacement level,” then Shawn Riggans is who you get to fill in when your AAA starter has one too many at Ole NC Bar-B-Que.

And the “backup is really working hard to be ready when his time comes” isn’t exactly breaking new ground. Wait for the “established star taking it one day at a time” and “player after an off year changed his workout routine” stories to follow.

by Jeremy Bowers on Mar 5, 2009 10:15 PM EST reply actions