Flare. Dying quail. Texas Leaguer. Blooper. Judging by how many good terms are reserved for these balls, it seems the bloop single is an inherently funny play. Whatever you call it, as a viewer, I’ve decided that we’re seeing way too many (catchable) fly balls drop in front of our outfielders for hits.
One the most distinctive signals of regime change in 2019 has been outfield positioning. Adam Jones was known for playing one of the shallowest center fields in the league, and outfield coach Wayne Kirby used to adjust his outfielders the old-fashioned way, with hand signals (I miss Wayne Kirby).