Bob Pompeiani

Both plays need to be made.

I'm just trying to talk through this a little bit.

And, like, last night, again, the center fielder has priority on all those balls, to his left and his right, coming in.

Like, there's a hierarchy of...

on a baseball field who has priority in certain plays.

And so I don't blame Cruz for that one.

But in the past, has there been a lack of focus?

Has there been a lack of consistency?

Absolutely.

That's a fair criticism.

And he needs to put that to bed this season.

You know what I find fascinating about the Cruz discussion, Bob?

We can look at somebody like Jake Mangum and say, oh, he's a great player, he's fun, he's an energy guy, he does this and that, and you sort of love up Jake Mangum.

Jake Mangum improved a lot in his late 20s.

And in the same conversation, Pirates fans will say O'Neal Cruz can't improve in his late 20s.

Who came to that conclusion?

He can improve in his late 20s.

It's also true to say he should make some of the plays that he made.

It's also true to say he should have sunglasses on his head when the sun's an issue.

Like it's a much more realistic approach.