FanPost

What about Cespedes at third base?

We all know the Red Sox have too many outfielders right now, and many expect that some of them will be traded this offseason. The popular opinion is that Mookie Betts will be the one traded, most likely in a package for a proven pitcher, as he'll be someone that can be controlled for a long time so there's tremendous potential upside for a team looking to improve its offense. Also, both he and Rusney Castillo are leadoff-type hitters, making Mookie superfluous.

But it seems to me that, while Yoenis Cespedes, Allen Craig, and Castillo all appear to be special players, that Betts is showing clear signs that he's going to be a special player too, someone who really will impact games with his bat and his baserunning, and potentially with his range on defense. That's the kind of player teams can search a long time trying to get, so it seems foolish to give him up in exchange for someone who will likely be no more impactful, and potentially less impactful in the long run.

Others who are thinking along these lines have mentioned, as a way to keep all four players, the possibility of putting Betts at third base. However, the question of his arm strength being adequate for that position gives everyone pause. Which got me thinking ... Cespedes has arm strength. Lots and lots of arm strength. Would he be a good fit a third base?

An examination of some pros and cons:

Cespedes has good speed. The outfield positions put a player's speed to good use. Third base does not. However, at third base, quickness is of great value, and I'm guessing Cespedes has some pretty good quickness that would serve him well there.

Height seems to be a bigger asset at third base than at most positions. At 5' 9", Cespedes doesn't have that.

In the outfield, Cespedes seems to have trouble knowing how to play caroms, which, despite his speed, means he often fails to get to balls quickly. This especially matters when you're playing half your games at Fenway Park.

Cespedes appears to have always been an outfielder, so would have a lot to learn about playing third base.

Seems like this warrants a poll. What do you think?