This is officially becoming intriguing.
When images of Franchy Cordero working out at first base initially emerged it was simply believed to be a back-up plan to a back-up plan. But, now?
Gold glove alert pic.twitter.com/MD8GFcikUI
— Red Sox Stats (@redsoxstats) July 7, 2021
Cordero went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, a run and a walk while playing his new position Wednesday night. But that isn't what advanced the conversation. The image of him playing first base for the first time was the be-all, end-all.
If the shortstop-turned-outielder-turned-first baseman can actually function defensively at his new position, he presents the kind of skill-set the big-league club is currently starved for.
Could Cordero actually be the left-handed-hitting complement to Bobby Dalbec that would seem to be a trade deadline priority?
While many might point to the 26-year-old's Triple-A success and suggest it is simply a product of level of play, and even the hitter-friendly Polar Park, the story of Cordero's potential might be more complex.
First of all, the mere fact that he has hit .415 with a 1.273 OPS against right-handed pitching at any level suggests a platoon-type role might actually scratch where the Red Sox are itching. Also, don't discount a hitter like Cordero taking advantage of the post-sticky-stuff era upon a return to the majors.
The conversation is just beginning ... but certainly isn't going to slow down over the next few weeks.
