There's a good explanation for Howie Kendrick's mysterious actions

We live in a world that's driven by information and curiosity, which in some instances is refreshing and in others can be a little scary. That's because sometimes the thrist for both can lead us down a path filled with assumptions and misguided conclusions.

[Related: Curtis Granderson saves Mets after Chase Utley's clutch hit]

That was the case on Friday night when a video surfaced that clearly showed Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Howie Kendrick reaching into his back pocket during Friday's 6-5 loss to the Mets for a handheld item. Kendrick is then seen studying the unknown object before quickly putting it away and readjusting his position.

That video piqued the curiosity of many fans, perhaps in large part due to the accompanying message speculating that Kendrick was taking a look at his cell phone. To the untrained eye, Kendrick's mannerisms were certainly indicative of such a practice. But believing that to be fact would be making a poor assumption or, again, jumping to a misguided conclusion.

In this instance, we go from assuming Kendrick's attention was far away from where it needed to be, to the reality that Kendrick was simply studying the next batter due up for the New York Mets.

The "shift card" is essentially a study guide that alerts fielders to where they should play each hitter. It eliminates any confusion that might go along with a coach sending in signals and should ensure the fielders are on the same page.

Well, assuming they all read it correctly.

[Join a Yahoo Daily Fantasy Baseball contest now]

It's a nifty little idea that's probably used more often than we think, so let's try to never again assume a fielder thinks he'll get away with checking his phone right on the field. In the clubhouse, maybe, but even that's not foolproof as Pablo Sandoval showed us last season.

Beyond that though, what player is going to risk breaking his fancy phone if he has to make a sliding catch? The risks outweigh the rewards in every possible way.

More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:

- - - - - - -

Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813