Parra to Centerfield...

[82CardsGrad]

Hmmm... some very wise poster has been clamoring for this move for quite some time now!!


Diamondbacks would like to see Gerardo Parra earn time at center field

"I'd like to see him work on center field and be able to play all the positions," Gibson said. "He's very good on each corner. He isn't as good as we think he can be in center field."
That might mean Parra could take at-bats away from Chris Young, who had just a .222 average against right-handed pitching last season and hit just .193 as he played through injuries in the second half.
It's worth noting that last year the club entered spring training expecting Xavier Nady to be the everyday left fielder but Parra wound up seeing the bulk of the at-bats.
"You guys who covered us last year understand that I'll play virtually everybody," Gibson said. "Everybody is going to get a lot of action."


Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/dia...included-handful-surprises.html#ixzz1mwUzD4Rn

 

[HooverDam]

No indication yet that they want him to be a full time guy in Center, and why would they? Chris Youngs traditional numbers like BA are always crazy low, but he does a lot of other good things for the club. He's an outstanding Center Fielder and should win a Gold Glove at some point, he steals bases, has nice power (especially considering he'll likely be in the bottom of the order).

Its just wise to make sure Parra can reliably play all 3 out field positions. He'll likely start some games in which the Starting Pitcher is more of a Fly Ball sort of guy. He'll also likely come in as a defensive replacement in late innings. And of course he's an excellent insurance policy should any of the other 3 OFers go down with an injury.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

He [Gibson] also mentioned that he wants to see Parra improve defensively in center field, sort of hinting that that could be a way for him to find his way into the lineup more often.


That makes some sense, given that Chris Young struggled against right-handers last season – which has been the case for most of his career – but the defensive dropoff in range from Young to Parra is a pretty big one, at least to my eyes.

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/NickPiecoro/155512



Parra would have to improve a ton to play Center for more than a spell, and unfortunately for him you can't really teach range.

 

[azsportsfan01]

Parra is not fast enough and takes horrible routes to be a centerfielder full time. As a backup to give CY a break once a week then he is fine. If we start seeing him play 3 to 4 games a week in center then we will be in trouble.

 

[azsportsfan01]

No indication yet that they want him to be a full time guy in Center, and why would they? Chris Youngs traditional numbers like BA are always crazy low, but he does a lot of other good things for the club. He's an outstanding Center Fielder and should win a Gold Glove at some point, he steals bases, has nice power (especially considering he'll likely be in the bottom of the order).

Its just wise to make sure Parra can reliably play all 3 out field positions. He'll likely start some games in which the Starting Pitcher is more of a Fly Ball sort of guy. He'll also likely come in as a defensive replacement in late innings. And of course he's an excellent insurance policy should any of the other 3 OFers go down with an injury.

He gets on base even with a low average. He draws a ton of walks. His average is 19th best of guys who play center field, but when you look at his OBP (which is really the one that matters) he jumps to 11th. Add his defense and he is one of the better centerfielders in the majors. Hell his war is 7th for all centerfielders. People who hate on him are way off base and if you get your wish in seeing Parra there full time you will wish for the days of CY within a month.

 

[HooverDam]

if you get your wish in seeing Parra there full time you will wish for the days of CY within a month.

Huh? Im agreeing that CY should be the full time CF'er for the D'backs. Or was that not directed at me?

CYs numbers last year were a little disappointing, but if he can replicate is 2010 season I think we'd all be thrilled. If he can consistently hit around 250 with an OPS near 800 while hitting 25 HRs and stealing 25 bases that would be insane.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

A part time utility outfielder should be able to play all 3 positions

 

[azsportsfan01]

Huh? Im agreeing that CY should be the full time CF'er for the D'backs. Or was that not directed at me?

CYs numbers last year were a little disappointing, but if he can replicate is 2010 season I think we'd all be thrilled. If he can consistently hit around 250 with an OPS near 800 while hitting 25 HRs and stealing 25 bases that would be insane.

Not directed at you but there have been people on this board that have said they want to see it. Your post gave me a jumping off point to make a point. No offense to you.