Elly to the outfield, please ?

[*ochocincos*]

(06-30-2025, 11:47 AM)bengalfan74 Wrote: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/these-ugly-elly-de-la-cruz-stats-could-finally-force-the-reds-hand/ar-AA1HD30u?ocid=BingNewsSerp

" De La Cruz's -7 mark means he has failed to convert seven plays that an average shortstop would have made. That could stem from poor reads, bad angles, or over-aggressiveness — all symptoms of someone still learning how to harness his athleticism into consistent, polished defense. "

"It starts with his athletic profile, which might actually play better on the grass. De La Cruz has top-end sprint speed, incredible closing ability, and one of the strongest arms in the game. In the outfield — particularly in right or center — that profile could translate into elite defensive value. He’d have more space to operate, and fewer of the fast-twitch reads and footwork that have exposed him in the infield."

Why are the Reds, whoever "they" are? So entrenched in keeping Elly at SS. Being in the outfield may even help him be better at the plate.

If EDLC were moved, what would be the corresponding moves?
Obviously McLain would go back to SS, but who would cover 2B? Lux? Espinal?
And I would assume Friedl would stay at CF and thus put EDLC in RF?

I am not sure how experienced EDLC is in the OF to be able to track down balls though, plus running full stride to make catches and possibly having a collision with another player or the wall at faster/full speed may be too risky compared to him playing IF or especially serving as the primary DH.
Maybe some experimentation can be had in the offseason, but it's too late to be trying new positions for your star player right now other than a move to DH.