In addition, the signing of Hudson turned DeWitt into a utilityman. Already with Major League experience at third base and second base, DeWitt is being worked this spring extensively at shortstop, where on Tuesday he started for the second time in the last three games.
DeWitt was a shortstop in high school, but was moved to third base as soon as he signed.
"At the time, I wasn't as quick reading the ball off the bat," said DeWitt. "The last couple years, I'm not saying I'm faster, but I'm getting better reads on balls and hops and understanding what's involved with each position. You can even have so-so hands, but if your feet move well, it can make your hands above average."
Working DeWitt at short also can be interpreted as another sign in the continual frustration over Tony Abreu, who was back on the field Tuesday after missing several days with a tight groin muscle. Abreu, with an ideal skill set to handle third base and the middle-infield spots, has battled trunk injuries for most of the previous two seasons, undergoing surgeries for a sports hernia and torn hip labrum. Torre said he was hopeful Abreu would return to games in a few days.
At this point, in addition to the starting infield of Blake, Furcal, Hudson and James Loney, the primary utility infielder assured of a job is Mark Loretta. The club is also likely to carry a pure shortstop -- Hu and non-roster veteran Juan Castro the most likely candidates -- unless DeWitt shows he can handle to demands. Blake was two for three today with a Homerun.Goose
No comments:
Post a Comment