Does Pittsburgh Pirates’ Oneil Cruz possess instincts to play center field?
The converted shortstop's transition continues to test the MLB team's patience.
Does Pittsburgh Pirates’ Oneil Cruz possess instincts to play center field? originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Oneil Cruz likely needed a day away. After enduring an error-filled Opening Day, the embattled Pittsburgh Pirates prospect could have benefited from time away from spending time in center field at Citi Field so soon after Thursday’s performance. In the first inning, Cruz initially took a bad angle on a fly ball by Brett Baty and then failed to hustle after the ball, allowing the three runs to score.
Next batter Marcus Semien compounded the club’s concern with Cruz by popping up to shallow center field. The converted shortstop whiffed on the fielding attempt and Baty cruised home. Is this the improved version of Cruz promoted during spring training?
What about that offseason work? There’s a bigger question the Pirates brass needs to address as Cruz preps to return Friday after an off day in New York. Does Cruz have the positional instincts to survive as a center fielder?