Struggling Pirates CF Oneil Cruz fortunate rookie Konnor Griffin absorbing outside attention
The Pittsburgh outfielder's power surge is also helping to deflect defensive lapses.
Struggling Pirates CF Oneil Cruz fortunate rookie Konnor Griffin absorbing outside attention originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz should consider himself lucky.
Not only has his recent power surge helped camouflage his outfield misadventures, but with well-financed teenager Konnor Griffin slated to make his MLB debut Friday, most of the outside focus on the rebuilding franchise will be on the league’s top prospect. And not on Cruz’s nurturing instincts to play center field . Beginning with consecutive first-inning lapses on Opening Day, directly leading to four runs, Cruz’s defensive struggles continue.
In five appearances this season, Cruz registered a minus-11 in total fielding runs above average, according to Baseball Reference . Cruz, for a while, may be able to shade his fielding inconsistencies with Griffin starting at shortstop. Especially if he continues to supply power to the Pirates ’ young roster core.
Pirates CF Oneil Cruz lucky for outside attention In the final two games of the road series against the Cincinnati Reds , Cruz connected on three home runs, producing six RBI. Cruz finally had something else to talk to the media about, besides his defensive lapses. With Griffin signing a nine-year, $140 million deal Thursday, additional attention will turn to the seventh youngest player to make his MLB debut since 2000 and remain away from Cruz.