Sunday, February 21, 2016

Rob Refsnyder the Third Baseman?


Hey guys, remember like two or three days after the New York Yankees acquired Starlin Castro from the Chicago Cubs to be their everyday second baseman and I, Daniel Burch, suggested that Robert Refsnyder either learn the third base position or be traded? Well that was initially scoffed at and immediately dismissed due to defensive “concerns” for the kid who was drafted as an outfielder and still learning the second base position and the infield as a whole. Well until Joel Sherman of the New York Post says it, then it’s a brilliant idea.

Some will say that the Yankees aren’t high on Refsnyder or that they don’t trust his defense but those same people are ignoring the fact that the team called him up not once, but twice last season. The second call-up also resulted in him starting at second base in the AL Wild Card Playoff Round against the Houston Astros, an eventual 3-0 loss to Dallas Keuchel. The bat looked like it could stick, albeit in a short sample size, as he batted .355 in September and .302 overall in both call-ups while his defense looked to be adequate. Refsnyder got to the balls he was supposed to and he made the plays he was supposed to, anyone who doesn’t think that’s sufficient at 25-years old and with just two years of experience at second base professionally should just turn in their Derek Jeter jersey’s now.


The possibility of Refsnyder learning and playing the third base position is still up in the air. Brian Cashman seems adamant that the team will keep him at second base only while Refsnyder is said to be open to the idea. Then again Refsnyder is “up for anything” as long as it means he is sticking with the MLB squad. We already know that Starlin will be playing some third base this spring but keep your eyes out for Refsnyder, if he starts playing third base some then you know the plan is in motion. The plan I originally set forward and the plan Joel Sherman will once again get all the credit for. And that’s okay. 

4 comments:

  1. 3rd base may be a stretch for his arm, if they say it is just passable for 2nd base it sure won't make it any better with the long throw from 3rd. I have been wondering about his arm, IF he was a right fielder in college he had to have a passable arm to begin with but they have his arm rated as Avg. With all the unconventional throws a 3rd baseman has to make...that ain't good enough.
    So, Daniel and Joel, I must disagree with both of you, they may try him at 3rd, but it just ain't going to cut it.
    My opinion!

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    1. He played right field, his arm is not a concern for me. If he played left field, maybe. He played right, that's where you stick one of your stronger arms for the throws to home. Obviously he was moved to second due to concern with his arm strength in big MLB parks but I don't think his arm strength would be a concern at 3B.

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  2. Is Refsnyder the ideal candidate for 3b? Quite simply, no. But let's not kid ourselves. David Eckstein had the weakest infield arm I've ever seen and won a World Series MVP at shortstop. Refsnyder could absolutely play 3b on an as needed basis. Let's not forget, these are professional athletes.

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    1. Professional players or not, a 3rd baseman has to have an arm. He has an Avg. arm at the minimum, but then again, Ryan had a sling-shot throwing motion that took a lot out of his arm and he played SS.
      So, let me say again IF his arm is as bad as they say it was at 2nd base, I can't see him at 3rd base except for a game replacement or two.
      Eckstein, IF I remember right, had one hell of a quick 1st step and release...which in it self, gave him an extra tick to get the ball over to 1st. I don't see that in Refsy...I wish and hope I am wrong. I want him in the Big Show!
      Watching Refsy at 2nd base last year, I saw him having a lot of problems finding his arm angle on the different throws, he would pop up and throw the ball over handed sometimes...which is ok for a grounder (at 3rd) that comes his way with out having to go too far for it. He can put more into the throw, maybe that would be enough.

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Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)