I'm not quite sure how to start this thread. I want to get some opinions on the importance of a player playing the 'right' position and at what age that becomes important. At some point seemingly small nuances dictate how well a player does at a defensive position. Speed, armstrength, quickness, and so many other attributes all play a role on where a player is best suited.
Centerfielders are usually among the fastest on the field while rightfielders usually have arguably a stronger arm, for instance. I also always find it interesting how second basemen and shortstops often have somewhat different skillsets - from a baseball perspective - as players move up the competitive ranks. Although they are both middle infielders, sometimes even their comfort level/experience with playing the other position can play a role in how well they do defensively.
Recently, I've run into 3-4 kids that I used to coach that have settled on playing positions that, in my opinion, don't suit them as well as other positions they've played and I wonder if it may affect their ability to attract college interest.
For instance, I know a kid who has a good bad but isn't particularly fast. I think his best shot may be at first base but he is convinced he is a left fielder. He doesn't track the ball exceptionally well and is not that fast. His arm is good and he used to be really good at stretching/scooping at first. He has grown to be 6'2 and is maybe 175 at this point. I have seen this kid play at least a portion of 4-5 games each year over the last 4-5 years so it is not like I don't have a sense of how he has developed.
I know another kid who sees himself as a cf but I think could make a much better statement at 2b. He is fast and has a good arm but not cf speed in my opinion. Unfortunaltey he hasn't played 2b in 3-4 years so he is no longer comfortable in the infield.
A third kid is playing ss but makes a great cf. That is not a hard transition to make compared to some others.
None of these cases involve a situation where they were beat out of the position they once played. In each case I believe they could move back to their previous position and be much better than the kid on their team who is currently playing it.
Most of these kids are rising juniors now. I just wonder how thes choices might affect their recruitment. I am also aware that with work they could become as good at their current position as they were at their previous position, but I wanted some thoughts from others. Opinions?
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