Is Moving to left Field a Good Idea for Coco Crisp?
For years Coco Crisp has been one of the better defensive center fielders in baseball. So why are the A’s asking him to try moving to left field?
The answer is simple to understand if you’re an analyst, but tough to reconcile if you are a fan of Crisp, or you’re Crisp himself.
In comments to MLB.com’s Jane Lee, Crisp revealed some reservations about the move, but ultimately wants to help this team and will continue to be the same Coco we have come to enjoy.
In three of Crisp’s first four years as an Athletic he was an above average center fielder in terms of defensive runs saved (2010, 2011, 2013). In 2012 Crisp rated as exactly average. However his DRS totals have varied each year, as well as his ultimate zone ratings. In 2014 he posted career worsts in both with a -17 DRS and -13.7 UZR.
His arm has never been much of a tool, but his range – aided by his speed and his sure hands – has made him a gold-glove caliber outfielder for more than a decade. Last season his skills took a hit because he claimed that he held himself back to avoid injuring himself.
That is a smart strategy given the notion that the A’s are a better team with Coco in the lineup.
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So this move is to preserve his body, keep him fresh for a whole season and maybe the playoffs, plus allow his defense to return to his normal levels of excellency.
I am not a professional outfielder, nor do I have the expertise to say a move like this will be easy. He has played enough left field in his past that, if this is a long term solution, the transition won’t be a drastic as, say, moving him to third base.
This move will not affect just Crisp, however. Craig Gentry and Sam Fuld are expected to become the center field platoon rather than left field. Gentry is a tremendous defender and Fuld is an above-average one at worst.
The plan was to use Crisp in center and Gentry/Fuld in left. Merely switching their positions retains the same offensive potential their speed creates, but also increase the team’s defensive abilities.
This is a good move all around. Crisp is vital to the success of the A’s, so if moving him out of center field can keep him in the lineup more, I am in full support.
What do you think?
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