Comments on: Jason Heyward in RF

By: Kahuna Tuna

Kahuna Tuna — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:39:06 +0000

I thought so too, D.D., but it appears that the transition began in 1970, Russell's second year in the majors, and was completed in 1972. As far as I can tell, up through 1969 Russell had played only in the outfield. (I own a '69 Sporting News Baseball Guide, which confirms that Russell played 114 games in the outfield at Bakersfield in 1968, none at any other position.) He spent some time at Spokane in 1970 playing outfield and third base, and in 1971 he split his games in L.A. nearly evenly between second base and the outfield. Going into the 1972 season, he had played one game at short in the minors and seven in the majors. It was a huge transition, and it took place in the majors.

By: DoubleDiamond

DoubleDiamond — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 01:55:02 +0000

I remember both Buddy Bell and Bill Russell as infielders, but I see on their player pages that they started out in the outfield. I knew that Bill Russell made a reverse move from what often happens, going from outfield to shortstop, but I thought that was done at the minor league level.

By: BSK

BSK — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:54:00 +0000

Cubbies wins "Sample Size" award for the year. At least, so far. :-D

By: cubbies

cubbies — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 21:23:55 +0000

that HR was unbelievable, crushed it.
hes gonna be good

By: JDV

JDV — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:30:45 +0000

Baines and Guillen were both pretty young, too, but Heyward's still a couple months younger.