|
THE MIDDLE INFIELDERS
The second baseman and shortstop.
When people praise second baseman, they tend to use the term "steady," while the words "sensational," and "spectacular" are more commonly used for shortstops. I think the difference in the adjectives has to do with the nature of their jobs. Other than being quick and unflinching on the pivot, the second baseman's most important play is the routine ground ball, while anything more is a plus. Range, and a strong arm, a combonation that lends itself to exciting plays, are more characteristic of the shortstop. When a second baseman makes a difficult play, it's not usually too far from his left or rifht, and unless he's throwing to home or third, his throw is short. Meanwhile, his partner covers considerable more ground and makes longer throws, including the one from the hole, constantly revealing his athleticism and strong arm. In fact, second baseman must resist the temptation of copying their fancy-fielding partners or they'll blow the routine plays and wind up in too many blooper films.
|