Chicago Cubs: Watch Albert Almora Make Two Incredible Defensive Plays (Video)
Watch Chicago Cubs outfielder Albert Almora make a pair of incredible defensive plays on Thursday.
The Chicago Cubs are loaded with talented position players. Joe Maddon does his best to keep everyone involved, but the Cubs have so many good options that they have to sit multiple talented players on a daily basis.
We expected to see Albert Almora in center field on most days this season. Jon Jay was brought in to help take some starts in center, but Almora figured to get a large handful of starts out there. However, in order to keep Javier Baez and Ben Zobrist in the lineup, Jason Heyward has been playing more center field than most of us expected. The Cubs’ best lineup probably involves Baez at second base, Zobrist in right field and Heyward in
The Cubs’ best lineup probably involves Baez at second base, Zobrist in right field and Heyward in center. However, Almora’s elite defense still makes him a strong option for Maddon. Almora did get the call for the Cubs on Thursday, batting sixth and playing center field against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This would only be Almora’s third start of the season, but he certainly made a big impact.
Almora went 1-3 with a walk at the plate, but his real value came defensively. Even though he does not have a ton of big league experience, Almora is already an elite defender in center field. He shows incredible natural instincts in the outfield and undoubtedly has some Gold Glove consideration in his future.
On Thursday, Almora made an impressive pair of defensive plays to rob the Dodgers of extra base hits. You have to see them for yourself.
2/3 of the earth is covered by @albertalmora. pic.twitter.com/VfT09m2zZo
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 13, 2017
I love the way that he tracks the ball out there, constantly knowing where he is and not being afraid of the way. Almora is a special defensive player and he showed it here, making both of those tough plays look easy. Cubs starter Brett Anderson seemed happy about Almora helping him out with the glove.
Brett Anderson: “I think I owe Almora my paycheck for the day.”
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) April 13, 2017
Almora: “Sick, I’ll take it.”
The Cubs cruised to a 4-0 win in this game, but the contest was close for most of the day. If Almora does not track down either of those balls, it could have been a much different story.
The Cubs’ extreme depth is an incredible problem to have. Having too many good players and not enough spots to play them is never a bad thing. That being said, I would like to see Almora patrol center field on a more regular basis. His skills out there are elite and take the Chicago Cubs defense to the next level.
Next: If Heyward Continues to Rake, Cubs are Unstoppable
It will be interesting to continue to monitor how Maddon fills out the lineup card on a daily basis. Almora is making a strong case, but will there be enough room?