ESPN analyst: Gregorius showing why Towers was so high on him
Apr 24, 2013, 8:03 PM | Updated: 8:33 pm
Didi Gregorius has appeared in six games for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and all he’s done in that time is hit .400 with two home runs while playing excellent defense at shortstop.
In short, the 23-year-old looks every bit the long-term answer at the position for the team.
“Now we know what (D-backs general manager) Kevin Towers was talking about when he went after this kid and went after him as hard as he did,” ESPN MLB analyst Tim Kurkjian told Arizona Sports 620’s Burns and Gambo Wednesday. “We heard all spring training he’s a terrific defensive player, which he has been, but I had scouts tell me the entire spring the bat is a question and has been one.”
Yet, Kurkjian said scouts are noticing what the rest of us have seen: his bat is nothing to sneeze at.
“This kid’s swing is a little firmer than people are giving him credit for,” he said.
That’s not to say Gregorius is destined for a Silver Slugger Award or is even ready to stake claim as one of the league’s best middle infielders. After all, he’s only six games — and 20 at bats — into his Diamondbacks career.
However, the early returns on one of the D-backs’ key offseason acquisition have been very positive, which is a great sign going forward.
“If he hits at all, that’s a real bonus because you know he’s going to give them tremendous athleticism and defense at shortstop,” Kurkjian said.
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