Pedro Defense-Better Than Percieved?

by zogger on Apr 29, 2011 12:20 PM EDT

Since I live in Western NY, I get my fill of Yankee baseball on free TV. During Tuesday nights game, Eric Chavez made a play at 3rd base almost identical to the play that Pedro makes in this video of last night's game:

http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=14239149&c_id=pit

The difference (as I recall because I can't grab the video to verify) was the Chavez was not as far off the line and his throw bounced to 1st. Whereas Pedro had farther to go to his right and his throw was much stronger to 1st base. I also recall that Pedro made a similar play a few days before where he threw from one knee and nailed the runner.

The Yankee announcers went wild about Chavez's play "This XX times All Star can still pick'em", etc. I wonder what they would have said if they saw Pedro's play? Possible call him a HOFer?

While individual plays don't prove a guy is a great (or even good) defender, I think the play shows Pedro has the skill to play 3rd and only needs experince to improve. Also his arm looks like a real gun!

Now if he would stop tucking his ears under his cap, maybe he would get some respect!

Poll

What do you think of Pedro as a 3rd baseman?

Sucks-move him to 1st base ASAP!

5 votes

Developing, give him more time

57 votes

Average or Better

22 votes

Deserves a Gold Glove

0 votes

84 votes | Poll has closed

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the managing editor (Charlie) or SB Nation. FanPosts are written by Bucs Dugout readers.

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Comments

pedro has made improvements, yes

still not good going to his left. flops on plays when he could have easily continued moving. yet good at coming towards the ball and his rifle arm is more accurate now than i can remember.

by white angus on Apr 29, 2011 12:32 PM EDT reply actions

I think lateral movement is the biggest concern.

Everything that guy just said is bullshit . . .thank you

by Scranton on Apr 29, 2011 12:44 PM EDT reply actions

I think it is the same as perception

the catch being that he is improved this year. Of course let’s not forget the make-able play from yesterday that cost us the game.

by Mr. E on Apr 29, 2011 1:21 PM EDT reply actions

Pedro has better range than Overbay.

by Thunder on Apr 29, 2011 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions

he'd better... hes 20 years younger

by white angus on Apr 30, 2011 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions

only 10

by Thunder on Apr 30, 2011 5:01 AM EDT up reply actions

I think that call says more about Michael Kay than it does about Pedro.

by Vlad on Apr 29, 2011 2:34 PM EDT reply actions

+2

When one isn’t enough

The glare of the spotlight is harsh, and the pressure that success breeds immense. We revere our heroes, but expect much. And criticism can come as easily as praise.

by glass0941 on Apr 30, 2011 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions

If Pedro doesn't start making more consistent contact at the plate,

we won’t care very much about whether he’s playing first or third.

I know it’s early and he’s still very young, but we need much more from him soon.

If the Bucs could find upgrades at 2B and SS, I wouldn’t mind seeing Walker at 3B and Alvarez at 1B in 2012.

by patthatt on Apr 29, 2011 4:17 PM EDT reply actions

I agree - 100%

by Brakeman8 on Apr 29, 2011 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

At this rate

Matt Hague might be a better option at 1B than Pedro if he doesn’t start making contact.

by MarkInDallas on Apr 29, 2011 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Who,

Pedro, or Hague?

Heh. Srsly, though. I knew who you meant.

Free your ass and your mind will follow.

by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 29, 2011 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, Hague doesn’t have any problem making contact. 9 Ks in 81 ABs so far this year. He only has 7 walks, though, which is a bit low.

by MarkInDallas on Apr 29, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions

He’s got to start hitting some, though. I just don’t understand his approach at the plate right now. He’s got to tattoo some balls early in the count so pitchers can’t get ahead so much.

by MarkInDallas on Apr 29, 2011 7:51 PM EDT reply actions