Tom¨¢s pairs versatile 'D' with big bat
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Defensive versatility is coveted by the Nationals. So when a player joins the organization, it is not uncommon to see them fill multiple roles around the field.
¡°I think the word is out that we like to do different things with players,¡± manager Dave Martinez said. ¡°I think all these guys that come in, when I talk to them all, they all tell me they¡¯ve got five or six different gloves.¡±
This spring, the Nats have been getting looks at Yasmany Tomás at the corner-outfield and infield positions. The 30-year-old played four seasons with the D-backs from 2015-19 (he spent all of '18 in Triple-A). Over that time, he played 148 games in right field, 108 in left, 31 at third and five at first for Arizona.
¡°We¡¯re playing him [at] different positions,¡± Martinez said. ¡°He looks very comfortable. We watched him at first base -- he didn¡¯t make any plays, but he looks comfortable over there. So that¡¯s good that we can plop him at first, possibly third, both left and right field. So far, he¡¯s doing well.¡±
Not only can Tom¨¢s defend multiple spots, he maneuvers them with agility.
¡°That¡¯s the one thing that really impresses me -- he moves really well for a guy that¡¯s that big,¡± Martinez said. ¡°You stand up next to him, he¡¯s a big guy.¡±
With that size comes strength. Tom¨¢s can swing for power, exhibited Saturday when he belted a walk-off line-drive single into right field to lift the Nationals over the Mets, 4-3. He has a cumulative career slash line of .266/.306/.459 with a .765 OPS, including 31 homers in 2016.
¡°He works good at-bats,¡± Martinez said. ¡°He¡¯s got the ability to hit the ball to all fields, which is nice. He hit the ball hard again tonight for that base hit.¡±
Tom¨¢s did not play in the Majors last season. Now with the Nats on a Minor League deal, he¡¯s vying to become the latest multifaceted defender who can step in whenever -- and wherever -- the team needs.
¡°This is a guy that¡¯s been on our radar for some time, and we were able to talk to him about bringing him here,¡± Martinez said. ¡°He seems like a really, really good young man. He loves the game. He plays hard.¡±