Former Red Sox teammate makes the case for Bobby Dalbec in Boston outfield
The Red Sox have been rumored to be in need of a right-handed hitting outfielder this offseason. Could that need be met by Bobby Dalbec?
Dalbec was spotted taking reps with the outfielders on Friday in Fort Myers. This shouldn’t come as a total surprise with the Arizona product playing in 36 games in right field in Worcester last season. It was the first time in his entire professional career that he had played in the outfield.
“In college there was no way we would ever put Bobby in the outfield.” Former Red Sox and Arizona teammate Rio Gomez said about his outfield play. “Bobby was a third baseman through and through in college.”
Dalec was a two-way player during his time at Arizona, and actually excelled on the mound throughout his college career. Third base was always his calling card, as that is what he was drafted as in the 4th round of the 2016 MLB draft by the Red Sox. His transformation from where he was then until now, has been quite a shift.
“Bobby has transformed his body and himself and this year he really showed it off.” Gomez added on the transition. “He is leaner now and moves better than ever. He stole double digit bags this year. You saw him in right field, and he runs really well. You knew the arm would carry, that was a no brainer. I saw him at third base and saw him on the mound, I knew it would carry in right field.”
In those 36 games in right field playing in front of the Worcester wall, Dalbec racked up 4 outfield assists which included plays at the plate and second base.
“It’s also more the positioning and getting yourself to the ball in time.” Gomez noted. “It’s things he has never had to work on his entire professional career as an infielder that he is doing well. I was amazed at just how good of a right fielder he became this year. He could pass for an everyday right fielder.”
It has been no secret that Boston was very left-handed hitting heavy heading into the offseason, especially in the outfield. Even after trading Alex Verdugo, the team still has Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, and Masataka Yoshida as left-handed hitting options out there. Dalbec brings a right-handed bat to the mix as well as a guy who can play third base, first base, shortstop, and right field.
“It’s what sold me to go work out at the facility he worked out at this past offseason with him.” Gomez said. “I had never seen him move like that and I have known him for over ten years. I had never seen him run or move as well as he did, and I wanted to do whatever he was doing because it was working clearly.”
Follow Andrew on Twitter @ByAndrewParker
For additional Red Sox and Major League Baseball content, follow Beyond the Monster: Boston Red Sox on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr
