Red Sox Infielder Shares Thoughts On Moving To New Position
Adapting to the major league level is difficult. Doing it while playing multiple positions is even harder. That hasn’t stopped the Boston Red Sox from asking rookies to do it this season.
Look at Kristian Campbell. He was asked to play multiple positions, and while he performed admirably given the situation, he never quite took to either second base or center field — posting minus-8 Outs Above Average this season, in the first percentile.
Marcelo Mayer went through the minor leagues primarily playing shortstop. He entered the major leagues as a third baseman, filling in for Alex Bregman. As Bregman nears a return from injury, speculation has begun about how to keep Mayer in the lineup,
One suggestion that’s been floated is to move Mayer to second base. Defense in that spot has been an issue for the Red Sox this season, and the sure-handed Mayer could provide both offensive and defensive production.
Mayer was asked about a potential move before Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, and sounded up to the challenge.
“Who knows what’s going to happen,” Mayer said. “I’m willing to play anywhere in the infield. I’m going to give it my 100 percent wherever they want me to play.”
The rookie didn’t have much experience at third before getting the call to the big leagues, but has looked like a natural. He’s even drawn comparisons to Nolan Arenado. While second base is a different challenge, it’s one Mayer appears ready to tackle.