Chattanooga Lookouts Try to Strike Balance Between Winning and Player Development

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Chattanooga Lookouts are only a game and-a-half out of first place with just over two weeks to go in the first half of the regular season. But does that really matter? Making the big leagues matters most to the players, so the Lookouts try to balance winning and development.

Vince Lombardi once said winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing. Lombardi never coached minor league baseball though. Winning is not necessarily the top priority.

Said Lookouts pitching Brian Garman: “It’s on the list of priorities, but it’s probably down there. Probably third, fourth, or fifth on the list.” Sounds crazy to hear that in sports.

Said Garman: “I don’t think trying to win the division is the priority. Individual development and getting these guys in a position to set themselves up for a promotion or an opportunity to play in the big leagues. That’s my number one goal.”

In the end…if you are winning, then players have to be developing.

Said Lookouts hitting coach Daryle Ward: “Having a team that’s capable of going out to win kind of takes some of the pressure off of some of these guys that are trying to develop into major league ballplayers. It gives them that little bit of breathing room to where they can just go okay, you know what, all the pressure is not on me. I have some time to develop and it helps them. Makes it easier for them.”

Said Lookouts pitcher Evan Kravetz: “I think setting a culture at the minor league level and winning a lot of games translates more than people think.”

Said Garman: “You don’t want to lose sight of the fact that winning is certainly important, and we should learn how to win here, so that when you get to Cincinnati, you already know it’s a skill and a position you have already developed and been in already.”

And let’s be honest…life is good when you win.

Said Kravetz: “Well it’s more fun than losing. The more you do it the more fun it is. Better vibes around the locker room. I just think everyone plays a little lighter on their feet when they win, so it’s definitely worth pursing.”

Categories: Sports – Local Sports News