Todd Gallagher (pictured above while conducting a playground challenge for ESPN) is the reason Dave Flood, also known as "Dave the Dwarf," will suit up for the York Revolution Tuesday.
He wants to respond to some of the questions readers and fans have regarding the experiment of bringing Flood to camp at Sovereign Bank Stadium. The York Daily Record is trying to set up a forum later this week, perhaps a live chat, where Gallagher can answer some questions and concerns from Revolution fans. While Gallagher knows some fans may be hesitant to accept the arrival of Flood because of his background as a radio personality, Gallagher points out that Flood isn't driving this experiment. Gallagher's extensive research is the reason for the experiment.
Gallagher sent me an e-mail detailing his research.
There are two big reasons why he likes this idea, and thinks it will work. Some readers may have read this information from the official press release Friday, but Gallagher added an important take at the end of his e-mail.
No. 1
Dana Kiecker, former Red Sox rookie of the year, faced a team of short hitters coached by Gallagher two summers ago and was so worn out after one inning that he had to be removed from the game. It was his opinion that a little person could make an impact in the majors.
"Look, if they're going up there one after another, a pitcher might be able to strike some guys out by getting in a rhythm, but even then it's going to be tough," said Kiecker. "If you just sprung one on a pitcher, forget it. That's too hard a slot to hit." Similarly, Twins All-Star closer Joe Nathan and single season save leader Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez believe it's a plan that has real potential. Said Rodriguez: "First of all, I'm not going to be able to throw strikes. No way. My target for the hitter is very different so my approach would be completely messed up. He's going to get a walk immediately. I'd rather face Barry Bonds in the bottom of the ninth."
No. 2
Nate Silver of Baseball Prospectus took it a step further. His team worked up the numbers and concluded that a player with the ability to ensure getting on base once via walk, once per game, would be more valuable to a major league team than Albert Pujols. Tim Purpura, COO of Minor League Baseball, went as far to indicate that he would have been willing to sign a little person to draw walks if major league baseball would have allowed during his tenure as general manager of the Houston Astros
"If it weren't for Purpura's genuine interest in signing a little person, the success against Dana Kiecker, and the feedback from major leaguers I would not be pursuing this," Gallagher wrote in an e-mail Sunday. "Additionally, the Devil Rays were close to putting Flood on the field for the team before it was squashed by MLB. The fact is that it has happened in MLB with (Eddie) Gaedel and could certainly happen again, regardless of what happens with Flood and the Revolution."
A couple quick questions immediately spring to mind.
1.) Why is MLB against this? What's their reasoning?
2.) Why has it taken so long since Gadel for this to be attempted again? Surely other independant leagues have been hurting for pub.
3.) What's the plan should the experiment prove wildly successful? Then what?
4.) Will Flood be instructed simply take every pitch, or will he be acting as any other hitter and trying to reach base via a hit?
Lastly, I'm not so sure people are hesitant because of Flood being a radio guy. I think people are actually more upset about the false pretense that the Revs are offering for this.
Saying that they are taking this serious would almost imply that if it is successful, York (or someone else) will sign Flood. Otherwise it is just a straight up "stunt" (experiment, whatever)
Is York simply relegated to "lab rat" status? Because I'm guessing there is a very good reason why this is being attempted in the Atlantic League and not in any affiliated league.
Thanks for all the questions. Does anyone else have any questions/concerns for Todd?
Todd will answer and respond to questions/concerns in an online chat this week with the Daily Record/Sunday News.
Feel free to post questions here. Or send me a note at jseip@ydr.com.
I'll set up a time and date for the chat with Todd later tonight, and we'll let you know when and where you can find all of his respones.
Thanks.