NEWSLETTER
“That’s a big league play right there.”
The following barehanded grab, diving throw and excellent catch isn’t the flashiest play in the world. No one flew through the air or jumped up a wall, and the stakes weren’t particularly high (it was a single at best). But I’ll be damned if the Sox announcers didn’t nail it in their description of the excellent defensive work, calling it “a big league play.” (Something the White Sox’s announcers don’t always get correct.)
Check it out for yourself, and you’ll see what I mean:
Billy Burns (the A’s hitter) originally sent the ball flying up the middle, until it was deflected and re-directed off Matt Latos’ glove.
Brett Lawrie, who is a noted fan of magic, had to readjust his momentum – which was carrying him towards second base – to come back and get the ball that was now closer to first. With Burns speed coming down the line, Lawrie had no choice but to barehand the ball and try whip it to first in enough time to get the runner (which he did, and it was!). Look at the angle he was at when he threw:
And, just for good measure, Jose Abreu made an excellent pick (across his body), completing what was aptly described as a “Big League Play.”
I’m definitely going to use that.
