Freshman Year in College - Switching positions

I would expect that a very large number of the players entering college as shortstops change positions. We can start with Buster Posey. Heck, one of our son's Milb teammates played every position but catcher and 2B for a program which went to Omaha 3 of his 4 years...and he was drafted as a 2B.

One aspect which is a bit puzzling about your scenario is moving from OF/2B to shortstop. Most often it is a move from short, not to short. Arm strength, among other skills is very different at short.

Another puzzler is the suggestion the college coach is making the move based on the suggestion of a scout rather than the coaches observations during recruiting and what would be a very brief time on campus. Did the college coach discuss this when he recruited your son?

One could safely say that a move to short in college, without prior experience at shortstop, could be a challenge, but not one a talented player can't do.  There will be plenty of early and late work to compete at short by February, would be my expectation..

Son's coach that recruited him said he if he could, he would only recruit pitchers, catchers, and SSs.  SS can move most anywhere and play if they can hit.  

 

Son played SS all through HS and successfully played 2B all freshman year, with several innings at SS.  Worked out well for him for PT.

I think its a combination of things for my son...he has the arm for short and the build of a MIF short lean, and quick.  I also think its a need for the team...they are heavy on OF, thinner on MIF...Since he can hit, maybe they see an opportunity to train him into that role and put his bat in the lineup?

I agree the transition is backwards by most standard situations, and definately will be a challenge.  He loves MIF though, and always wanted to play it, just got platooned in OF last few years for his range, and ability to gun guys down, and by playing on teams with guys who were coaches sons or the next Jeter

Oh, and btw in case i miscommunicated...Son approached coach about learning 2B during recruiting.  Coach aporoached him after 1st practice about SS.

I wonder if it might be better to accept the college coaches approach rather than looking for answers, based on past experience or personal factors.

IMO, a prototypical college SS is not short or lean.  That can be better applied to 2B.

Thinking it is the bat seems premature since this is the first day of college practice.

Since this came up on the 1st day of practice, it could also be nothing more than "lets take a look at this" but not a true change of position decision.

If it is a change of position, and your son's background up to college is as a platoon OF, and some 2B experience this Summer, he will have plenty of challenges. As I said initially, a change like this will likely involve "lots" of early and late work.

From a parent perspective, I would sit back and take this one day at a time, not projecting what it means tomorrow, being in the order because of the bat or anything else.  Every son ends up with  a lot of work to do as a college freshman to be ready by next Spring.  While we, as parents, can try and read "tea" leaves, it just isn't helpful, in my view.

You know what...you are right.  He is a big boy now, and im sure he knows what he needs to do to take care of business...let the chips fall where they may.  Im gonna sit back relax and let him enjoy his experience.  He is smart and motivated enough to make the best of his opportunities.

Thanks for bringing it into perspective

Son was recruited as Juco 2B (HS SS).  When he got to fall practice he had put on some size and strength so they said they were moving him to 3B.  Ended up playing 3B first half of season, and finished the last 1/3 of season as regular SS.  Had a good summer in a pretty good summer league playing equally 3B/SS/2B.  Got to Fall practice and coaches told him the first week that "he will play D1 2B", "you remind us of Jeff Kent", and other comments seemingly in effort to get him hyped about 2B (RS Soph returning to play SS).  He was actually pretty stoked, as his thought was "I can play 2B in my sleep and just focus on hitting," and 2B is actually his favorite spot for that reason, 3B his "worst."  Worked out there the first 1.5 weeks of practice, with some SS thrown in.  Scrimmages late last week and practice this week, back at 3B with the expectation that that is where he'll play this year.  I guess my point is that they will put you where they need/want you and you have to be ready to go, as the only thing that really matters is being on the field.