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Elly De La Cruz to Focus on Base Stealing Awareness
10 months agoUS
Cincinnati Reds' Elly De La Cruz, despite an impressive season, will focus on improving his base stealing awareness next spring. Manager Terry Francona emphasizes the importance of knowing the ball's location during steal attempts to maximize his already devastating speed and agility.
Key Insights
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Terry Francona wants Elly De La Cruz to improve his awareness of the ball's location while stealing bases.
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De La Cruz led the majors with 67 steals last year, showcasing his speed and potential.
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Improving awareness could prevent unnecessary dives on foul balls and capitalize on dropped balls or bad throws.
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Despite managing hamstring and quad tightness, De La Cruz has stolen 31 bases in 37 attempts this season.
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Francona plans to extend this focus to the entire team, aiming for more intelligent base running.
Why this matters: Enhancing De La Cruz's base stealing skills could significantly boost the Reds' offensive capabilities and give them a competitive edge. This also highlights the importance of continuous improvement and attention to detail in baseball.
In-Depth Analysis
Elly De La Cruz has been a standout player for the Cincinnati Reds, demonstrating exceptional speed and base-running abilities. However, manager Terry Francona believes there's room for improvement, specifically in De La Cruz's awareness of the ball during steal attempts.
Francona noted instances where De La Cruz dives into second base without realizing the pitch was fouled off. By improving his awareness, De La Cruz can avoid unnecessary risks and potentially capitalize on opportunities like dropped balls or errant throws. This adjustment could elevate his already impressive base-stealing game to an even higher level.
De La Cruz's ability to score from first base twice in Anaheim serves as a testament to his speed and agility when he knows the ball's location. By applying this awareness to his steal attempts, he can become an even more dangerous threat on the bases. Despite managing minor injuries, De La Cruz continues to play every game, showcasing his dedication and value to the team.
Francona's emphasis on improving base-running intelligence extends beyond De La Cruz, as he aims to instill this awareness throughout the entire team. By focusing on this aspect during spring training, the Reds hope to become a more strategic and effective base-running team.
FAQs
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Q: What is Terry Francona focusing on with Elly De La Cruz?
Improving De La Cruz's awareness of the ball's location during base stealing attempts.
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Q: Why is this important?
It can prevent unnecessary risks and capitalize on opportunities, making him a more effective base runner.
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Q: How has De La Cruz performed this season?
Despite managing injuries, he has stolen 31 bases in 37 attempts and remains a key offensive player.
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Q: Is this focus only for De La Cruz?
No, Francona aims to instill this awareness throughout the entire team.
Key Takeaways
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Elly De La Cruz will work on improving his base stealing awareness, which could make him an even more dangerous player.
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Manager Terry Francona is prioritizing base-running intelligence for the entire Cincinnati Reds team.
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This focus highlights the importance of continuous improvement and attention to detail in baseball.
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Keep an eye on De La Cruz's progress next season as he refines his base-stealing skills.
Discussion
Do you think this focused training will significantly improve Elly De La Cruz's base stealing success? Let us know your thoughts!
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