Quality defence a key factor in the Cincinnati Reds’ success this season – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds third baseman Scott Rolen on Thursday, July 26, attributed the team’s recent surge and success, among other fundamentals, to quality defence. The Reds currently stand fourth in the overall ranking with their 58 wins trailing only a game
from the top New York Yankees.
Rolen has an exceptionally big role to play in defence with his 5,473 recorded outs in the career. While he has performed well on every occasion, this season has remained particularly good for the third baseman.
"Defense shows up every day," Rolen said. "You don't hit every day. You don't hit home runs every day or doubles or anything else. You go out and play defense every day."
While Rolen is spot-on when he speaks of the significance a strong defence holds for any team in the Major League, he finds a support in the team manager Dusty Baker who thinks the crowd is more excited with the quality defence.
"In our world that we live in today, it's just hitting, hitting, hitting, offense, offense, offense," Baker said. "Defense probably excites you and the crowd and the team more than an offensive play.”
The fielding percentage of .986 has helped the Reds to lead the National League, leaving behind all the teams. Add to it the fact that they have committed only 51 errors so far. That is what puts the team in a better position.
As to what actually constitutes a quality defence, Rolen has his perspective to share on the subject matter.
"All you see [on TV] are the best plays of the day," Rolen said. "You don't see Zack Cozart making six routine outs in a game. That's what the defense is. The defense isn't the 'once every three weeks' diving play. It's the consistency."
The Reds rise this season no doubt leaves a lot of game pundits surprised. But a combination of both solid defence and equally great offence has helped them outshine the rivals. If the same winning spirit continues to live on in the team, the Reds are all
set to make it to the postseason games with remarkable ease.
Tags: