Jacoby Ellsbury confirmed to reporters yesterday that he will be playing center field again, now on a permanent basis. No word from the team yet if this a result of increased UZR for Jacoby.
Why would the Red Sox decide out of nowhere that Ellsbury belongs in center field? Is it because Mike Cameron is off the DL? Could it be that Tito was tired of writing the same lineup card lately?
Pardon the sarcasm, but placing Ellsbury back in center field proves one thing, and one thing only: Ellsbury playing left field made absolutely no sense. Ellsbury was a prime candidate for a gold glove last year. He dazzled fans and those around baseball with his stellar speed and wide range in the heart of the outfield. Turn on any highlight reel, and Ellsbury was sure to be there, front and center.
Want on the field evidence that he didn't belong in left field? Ask Ellsbury how he enjoyed running into Adrian Beltre in Kansas City. Earlier in that same game, he almost collided with another Sox player. A center fielder has the authority to call anyone off -- whether it be an infielder or an outfielder -- the same goes for shortstop. Ellsbury simply did not look comfortable there, nor should he. He's a center fielder.
Don't buy into that? Take Mike Cameron, a center fielder since he broke into the league long ago. He's known for his great defense, but he's 37-years-old and hasn't won a gold glove since 2004. Ellsbury is getting better at the position, Cameron worse. Ellsbury is improving offensively, Cameron isn't. Mike Cameron would make a lot of sense at smaller dollars as a fourth outfielder.
Fans should be glad Ellsbury is back in center. The Red Sox are a better team with him there, and it opens up the possibility for the team to acquire a corner outfield bat -- which is easier to get than some other glaring positional needs. Interestingly, Ellsbury's move to center shows that Cameron afterall WAS a replacement for Jason Bay. Though the front office was quick to shy away from admittance, this was the worst kept secret next to Barry Bonds' steroid use.
Give the Sox credit. They made a mistake and are trying to fix it. One problem solved, more to come soon.
JMO
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