9-News: 42.106 – Thum Is Quick Study

[RonCo]

Off Topic

Already Looks Natural at 2B

September 22, 2042: Nashville – After much consternation and gnashing of teeth was put to an end by Dong-po Thum’s suggestion that he wouldn’t mind trying his hand at second base, some are wondering now why there was angst to begin with. Yes, the Nine are struggling a little with injuries on the offensive side of the game but second base defense isn’t much of a concern. In fact, some are wondering if the team is on its way to finding a Zimmer quality second baseman in their midst.

In other words, Thum may soon be Wally Pipping the injured Roberto Viramontas.

“I still feel awkward out there,” Thum said in an interview yesterday. “I misread a ball I should have gotten to. But it’s coming.”

Indeed it is. Unshackled from his anchor at third base, the team’s scouts seeing him at second base have now raved about his ability to cover territory. “The guy is everywhere,” gushed one baseball person. “The reads he’s getting are astronomical. Has there ever been a guy who won the Zimmer at two positions in the same year?”

With only five games at the position, rumors are that the team’s scouts have already upgraded their view on Thum’s range and have bumped his ability as a “3” on the learning scale where most start at 1 and slowly move upward. Some are seven now suggesting that the superstar should be played as shortstop, moving Diamond glove award winner Luis Pena over to second base to make room.

“I think that’s a little bit crazy,” Thum said. “But I like playing everywhere on the diamond.”

So, there’s that? Ever seen a guy win four Zimmers in a single year?

[jleddy]

[check's Thum's numbers at 2B]

Since when did you transition from sci-fi to comedy writing, Ron?

[RonCo]

His ZR is all sample size. If you look at his BIZ you'll see he's going only really failed on one attempt...and jumping to a "3" in five games is unusual. I think, anyway.

[recte44]

A lot of people are talking about his defense. It's a great defense, the best defense. No one has better defense. Everyone is saying it. Lots of people, smart and sophisticated people. Believe me.

[ae37jr]

He's been all Thums at 2B so far.

[shoeless.db]

I like the thought of Thum throwing absolute piss-missiles 60 feet away to first base with his 12 arm. Make sure your first baseman has great instincts.

[RonCo]

McNeill seems pretty okay at first.