Just wanted to get some opinions on DeAza as a defensive centerfielder. Personally, I think that he has been okay overall, nothing special. I am one who listens to most every game on radio and Derrin Jackson, who was a pretty good defensive outfielder himself, has made the comment that DeAza plays way to deep because he is afraid that he can't go back to catch a ball very well. From listening, this has cost the Sox a few runs this season, including Fridays 14 inning marathon. I believe it was the 8th inning of that game, when the Royals tied it. Jackson claimed that DeAza should of easily caught the ball that led to the tying run, but he was playing way to deep and it dropped in front of him. In that case, the game should of been over after 9, saving 5 innings of wear and tear on our bullpen.

 

What say ye?

De Aza has pretty good range. He's a solid center fielder, IMO. Not spectacular, but he gets to everything that's routine and ranges great to left and right center. I haven't seen him have a lot of issues with balls over his head. He's made a few blunders though, mostly over-pursuing balls he has no business of getting to.

He's the best thing offensively we've had at centerfield since Aaron Rowand other than Rios's 2010 first half and MAYBE a month or so of Ken Griffey Jr in 2008.

 

His defense does seem fairly average for MLB, which is a good thing by and large.

Edited July 16, 201213 yr by Wedge

Just wanted to get some opinions on DeAza as a defensive centerfielder. Personally, I think that he has been okay overall, nothing special. I am one who listens to most every game on radio and Derrin Jackson, who was a pretty good defensive outfielder himself, has made the comment that DeAza plays way to deep because he is afraid that he can't go back to catch a ball very well. From listening, this has cost the Sox a few runs this season, including Fridays 14 inning marathon. I believe it was the 8th inning of that game, when the Royals tied it. Jackson claimed that DeAza should of easily caught the ball that led to the tying run, but he was playing way to deep and it dropped in front of him. In that case, the game should of been over after 9, saving 5 innings of wear and tear on our bullpen.

 

What say ye?

 

He's improved in that he covers the gaps well, but far too many balls drop in front of him.

Just wanted to get some opinions on DeAza as a defensive centerfielder. Personally, I think that he has been okay overall, nothing special. I am one who listens to most every game on radio and Derrin Jackson, who was a pretty good defensive outfielder himself, has made the comment that DeAza plays way to deep because he is afraid that he can't go back to catch a ball very well. From listening, this has cost the Sox a few runs this season, including Fridays 14 inning marathon. I believe it was the 8th inning of that game, when the Royals tied it. Jackson claimed that DeAza should of easily caught the ball that led to the tying run, but he was playing way to deep and it dropped in front of him. In that case, the game should of been over after 9, saving 5 innings of wear and tear on our bullpen.

 

What say ye?

 

He's improved in that he covers the gaps well, but far too many balls drop in front of him.

 

I guess maybe that's what I'm getting at. Does playing so deep help him cover the gaps better and if so, is that worth all of the balls that DeAza lets fall in front of him?

 

From listening to Derrin Jackson, he seems to be of the opinion that DeAza should move in at least 3 - 4 steps. He should still be able to cover the gaps and go back on balls just as effectively, while taking away some of the bloops that fall in front of him.

I guess maybe that's what I'm getting at. Does playing so deep help him cover the gaps better and if so, is that worth all of the balls that DeAza lets fall in front of him?

 

From listening to Derrin Jackson, he seems to be of the opinion that DeAza should move in at least 3 - 4 steps. He should still be able to cover the gaps and go back on balls just as effectively, while taking away some of the bloops that fall in front of him.

 

He plays really deep, noticably deep. DJ may be being kind by saying 3 or 4 steps. He plays that deep because he's really a corner OF'er. It's a sign he lacks confidence in CF. I'd put CF as the 2nd biggest defensive weak link on the team behind only C.

 

He's a plus CF'er IMO. Good range and a good arm.

I'd say well above average. He'd be excellent if not for the occasional headscratcher. I'm happy thinking of him as our CF for the foreseeable future.

 

Hope he snaps out of this little slump though.

De Aza > Brian Anderson

I guess maybe that's what I'm getting at. Does playing so deep help him cover the gaps better and if so, is that worth all of the balls that DeAza lets fall in front of him?

 

From listening to Derrin Jackson, he seems to be of the opinion that DeAza should move in at least 3 - 4 steps. He should still be able to cover the gaps and go back on balls just as effectively, while taking away some of the bloops that fall in front of him.

 

If DJ is correct, I say move him in a couple steps and have him work on drifting backward.

If DJ is correct, I say move him in a couple steps and have him work on drifting backward.

 

I feel like I heard a few times he isn't very comfortable with balls hit over his head which is why he plays relatively deep. It would be something to work on in the off-season rather than now.

I feel like I heard a few times he isn't very comfortable with balls hit over his head which is why he plays relatively deep. It would be something to work on in the off-season rather than now.

 

That's probably a good call.

Unless he goes out there before every game the rest of the way and has somebody adept with a bat smack fly balls over his head.

I heard DJ mention it a few weeks ago and started looking for it and he's right. In that time, De Aza has been a step or two away from balls that drop in front of him on many occasions, yet hasn't even come close to missing a ball hit deep. He should probably move in a little to adjust that ratio. It's worth letting one or two balls go over your head for doubles if it means cutting off 10 more singles (especially run-scoring ones).