The MLB needs to take a stance and have the teams get back to basics. There seem to be a large number of players that are lacking in the fundamentals of the game. It is not just an issue of playing the game right but a matter of safety.
This season there have been some pretty big name players that have been injured while doing the simplest things. A player should know how to run down the first base line and properly hit the bag without jacking up the knee, ankle or hamstring. See Chris Davis and Giancarlo Stanton. A player should know all the different ways to slide so that they are second nature. See Jose Reyes. An outfielder should start each inning counting his strides to the warning track and fence from different approach paths. See Bryce Harper.
These players are paid many millions of dollars based on their ability. It shouldn't be asking too much as part of protecting that investment and themselves that they work on the little things. More time should be spent in spring training doing this rather than heading to the golf course. Of course this is now a year round business and there is no reason it has to wait until spring training. Each player has enough in their pockets to hire trainers in the off season to hone these skills. I'm sure their over all play will improve as well.
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