[BigRed75]

Yes, at 5-10, I'd have to come off the bag more often than someone who's 6-3. But, unless it's a bang-bang play, I have the confidence in my footwork to get back on the bag in time. Plus, as a lefty, I have a bit more leeway, especially on balls thrown behind the bag.

Another thing to consider is catching ability. That 6-3 guy who can reach but has stone hands is going to be more of a liability than myself. It's not like balls thrown outside my wingspan would be automatic overthrows - I'm going to go off the bag and get them. Stonehands, however, can turn a routine play into an infield hit or, more likely, an E-3.

Even balls airmailed over my head - a good vertical jump, and I could make up the five inches or so by jumping higher. It's why I would work on my vertical leap. (Okay, that was mostly for basketball, but it had other benefits). And, of course, reading the situation and timing the leap.

Point being, there's a LOT more than height that goes into being a successful first baseman (left-handedness is also a big plus). But some coaches, like Bryan Price (a pitcher) don't see that. I agree with Questdog that Skip Schumaker would have been the better choice than Jay Bruce, particularly as by putting Schumaker in right in Bruce's place, you've now weakened two positions instead of one.