Outfielder needs a stronger arm

I don't disagree with the fact that that's what's done. I don't even disagree that the "stick" should be a major consideration. I just believe that there is enough evidence that pitching and defense wins more games than offense, and that alone should make the "glove" just as, or even a little more important than the "stick".

Of course everything needs to be considered and every situation is different. All things considered being equal, I'd choose a great glove over a "good" stick and a great stick over a "good" glove every time. But, I'd always take the glove if stick and glove were equal because I'm just playing the odds.

But there are also exceptions. If stick and glove were equal and my team was extremely strong hitting, I'd forego another banger for a glove. If it was good defensively but lacked in the hitting department, I'd go for the bat.

You know me Ag, gimme a team with pitchers that throw strikes and fielders who can catch, throw and make intelligent plays, and I'll bet the ears off of most teams over the long haul. That's the way its always been and that's the way it always will be.

This thread started with a question about how to make an outfielder's arm stronger. I tried to point out that there was much more to being an outfielder and those things shouldn't be ignored. Going back to that, if the choice was between a howitzer arm and a good hitter, gimme the hitter every time. He'll get a lot more chances to contribute with his bat than with his arm. All of these things depend on the situation.

Let me ask you this. How many youth games turn on the play or lack thereof of an outfielder? In my experience, a lot, but how many truly good outfielders are there in youth ball? I've seen adequate outfielders, I've seen good outfielders, but in youth baseball, I can honestly say I've never seen a really great outfielder, and I think that's because no one thinks its as important as hitting.

I'm just tryin' to keep people thinking outside of the envelope.