In a recent discussion, Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker addressed a pressing issue in Major League Baseball: the decline of fundamental skills among players. This topic gained traction following the Rangers' disappointing 9-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics, where the team struggled to keep pace with their opponents despite hitting a couple of home runs.
The game highlighted a growing trend in baseball, where many teams, including the Rangers, seem to rely heavily on home runs rather than executing the basic skills needed to win games. Schumaker pointed out that this reliance on power hitting has become a hallmark of the league, reducing the game to a few outcomes and neglecting the importance of fundamentals.
Schumaker, who has a wealth of experience both as a player and a manager, noted that the issue begins at the grassroots level. He explained that many top prospects come from a travel ball background, where the focus is on playing games rather than honing skills through practice. While game experience is valuable, he emphasized that true development occurs during practice sessions where players can learn and refine their techniques.
As players transition to college baseball, the emphasis on immediate results has intensified due to the introduction of the transfer portal. This environment makes it challenging for coaches to dedicate time to developing younger players, further exacerbating the problem of fundamental skills being overlooked.
Schumaker also acknowledged that Major League Baseball has contributed to this decline. For years, the conversation around hitting has revolved around launch angles and maximizing offensive output, often at the expense of traditional approaches like advancing runners. He noted that while this strategy may have worked for the Rangers during their championship season, it has not yielded the same success in subsequent years.
The current state of hitting in the league is a concern, with pitchers throwing harder than ever. Schumaker drew a parallel to the NFL, suggesting that if football offenses were struggling as much as MLB offenses currently are, there would be immediate action taken to address the issue. While MLB has made some adjustments, such as facilitating base stealing, Schumaker believes that more needs to be done to prioritize fundamental skills.
To improve the situation, Schumaker stressed the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility in players to become well-rounded contributors. He pointed out that metrics like Wins Above Replacement (WAR) have helped players recognize the value of defense and baserunning, which are often overlooked in favor of offensive statistics. He believes that if these skills are not emphasized in early training, players risk becoming one-dimensional, limiting their value to their teams.
One player who exemplifies the type of athlete Schumaker hopes to see more of is Ezequiel Duran. Schumaker praised Duran for his enthusiasm for practice and his eagerness to improve, noting that such qualities are crucial for success in the game. However, he lamented that the Rangers do not have enough players like Duran, who embody a strong work ethic and a passion for the game.
As the Rangers continue to navigate a challenging season, Schumaker remains committed to teaching the right way to play baseball. He acknowledged that while home runs are exciting, the current landscape of pitching is far ahead of hitting, necessitating a shift in strategy. The focus must be on winning games through fundamental execution rather than relying solely on power hitting. Schumaker's insights underscore the need for a renewed commitment to the basics of the game, which could be vital for the Rangers as they strive for success in a competitive league.
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