nighthawk wrote: ↑09 Jul 2025 09:00 am
What kind of skills does a third baseman need to play first that he doesn't already have?
Same skill that SS, and 2B lack until they practice it . . . receiving throws at 1B. It's something you do maybe once or twice a game at other positions, and something you do 10-15 times a game as a 1B.
Oh good lord, SS, 2b and 3b receive throws from all over the field with runner bearing down on them that they sometimes need to tag or avoid so they can complete a double play. Ploping a foot on a bag and catching a throw from an infielder is going to be extraordiarily difficult for them???
I didn't say it was extraordinarily difficult, but it's a very clear and obvious thing that 1B do many more times every single game than any other position. A team certainly isn't going to move a player to a position without giving him some practice there to make sure they are up to speed. Maybe it takes one or two practice sessions, maybe it takes longer, but you still have to actually show up and practice it to show the team you can handle a key component of 1B before they trot you out there.
Countless infielders have switched to first base quite easily because it is the least challenging position to play. They don't need frigging Will Clark to give them lessons. Devers has the skills, but for whatever reason, he just doesn't want to play first base.
It doesn't make sense to me to blow off an offer from Will Clark to work on the position.
Sure it does, if you are simply obstinant about not playing first base. You've logged more than 8200 innings at third base, a much tougher position and clearly have the skills to play first base. What do you need with Will Clark, Keith Hernandez, Eddie Murray or Hal Chase's mentoring?
I don't know if its ego or just sheer stupidity, but if you were his agent you wouldn't be counseling in favor of the obstinance. You'd recognize that he has the skills to play first and adding that position to your reptoire would only increase your value.
nighthawk wrote: ↑09 Jul 2025 09:00 am
What kind of skills does a third baseman need to play first that he doesn't already have?
Same skill that SS, and 2B lack until they practice it . . . receiving throws at 1B. It's something you do maybe once or twice a game at other positions, and something you do 10-15 times a game as a 1B.
Oh good lord, SS, 2b and 3b receive throws from all over the field with runners bearing down on them that they sometimes need to tag or avoid so they can complete a double play. Ploping a foot on a bag and catching a throw from an infielder is going to be extraordiarily difficult for them???
