Blue Jays sign Intl FA SS Adeinis Hechavarria 4yr/10mil!

[tsherkin]

So hold on, I have a baseball fundamentals question.

People are questioning his arm strength and they want to stash him in the outfield?

I know that corner outfielders aren't usually great arms and that outfield assists are rare... but isn't a mark of a good outfielder a cannon arm that will help hold runners from tagging or trying to take that extra base just out of fear from his arm? Don't we frequently give up runs because we've got limp arms that can't hold runners?

I'm confused.

[Modern_epic]

Provided the folks who are talking about this have any idea at all, I would assume they are talking about moving him to center. For a CF range is the largest concern.

Also OF requires a different type of arm strength. It is less about the snap throw and more about planting, so if he's got leg power, he would be a better thrower from the outfield.

[Komodo]

Good news. I'm been VERY impressed with AA. He's building this the right way, and you gotta give him full credit for that.

I'd also like to say that I also really enjoy reading Schad's and Met4's comments. You guys really know your stuff, and it's fun reading your analysis.

Another thing... my work schedule is the same as last summer, which means I'll never be home to watch the Jays. I wonder if atdhe... or... ?

[Avenger]

Good news. I'm been VERY impressed with AA. He's building this the right way, and you gotta give him full credit for that.

I'd also like to say that I also really enjoy reading Schad's and Met4's comments. You guys really know your stuff, and it's fun reading your analysis.

Another thing... my work schedule is the same as last summer, which means I'll never be home to watch the Jays. I wonder if atdhe... or... ?

myp2p, you're gonna have to install software though

[tsherkin]

Provided the folks who are talking about this have any idea at all, I would assume they are talking about moving him to center. For a CF range is the largest concern.

Also OF requires a different type of arm strength. It is less about the snap throw and more about planting, so if he's got leg power, he would be a better thrower from the outfield.

Thanks, that's really helpful and actually makes some real sense. I have a follow-up question: why is arm strength such an issue from the SS position? I see guys throwing all the time and I've only rarely looked at a SS and commented on the gun of an arm he has. I'd think that lateral movement, anticipation and such would be of more value, no? The number of plays deep in the pocket seem rare, or is that just perception?

[Schad]

Thanks, that's really helpful and actually makes some real sense. I have a follow-up question: why is arm strength such an issue from the SS position? I see guys throwing all the time and I've only rarely looked at a SS and commented on the gun of an arm he has. I'd think that lateral movement, anticipation and such would be of more value, no? The number of plays deep in the pocket seem rare, or is that just perception?

For a few reasons...the throws from the hole, the hard and accurate throws necessary to turn double plays, and most importantly, the arm strength to compensate for situations where you're unable to plant. Shortstops don't always have the luxury to throw from a strong base, and having a strong and accurate arm makes those throws across the body (or the ever-impressive Alomar-patented leap-and-throws) far easier.