Although Yasmany Tomas was primarily an outfielder in Cuba, the Arizona Diamondbacks signed him earlier in the offseason and are hoping he can play third base. They got their first legitimate look at the 24-year-old playing the hot corner this week in spring training.
Tomas did play some third base in Cuba, but it was nowhere near the amount of games he logged in the outfield. He told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic that he played 30 games at third base during his first year in Serie Nacionale, which was back in 2008, but then only returned there for "a few games" every other season.
His performance on Wednesday - the team's first workout - showed some of Tomas' rust from not playing the position on a regular basis for years.
"Tomas was rough around the edges. He bobbled some balls, misplayed others and at times did not appear to have proper technique," writes Piecoro.
"When coaches and team officials meet to discuss the topic later in spring training, it's possible nothing from Wednesday's workout will be mentioned. Perhaps in the days and games ahead, he will look entirely capable of adequately handling the position. But on Wednesday Tomas looked like someone with work to do if he hopes to avoid being shifted to the outfield."
It's pretty obvious that Tomas was not signed because of his defensive skills. Scouts previously said he actually might even be a liability in the outfield. The slugger was highly valued for his offense and also because of the recent successes of other Cuban defectors. Tomas slashed .290/.345/.504/.849 with 125 runs scored, 39 home runs and 151 RBIs in 272 games in Cuba's Serie Nacionale and he's said to have tremendous power. The D-Backs are likely anticipating for him to succeed offensively in a lineup that boasts Paul Goldschmidt, Mark Trumbo, Aaron Hill and others.
"At some point when we start evaluating whether he can play third base in the major leagues, we're just going to have to leave him alone and his game is either going to play or not play," said manager Chip Hale.
Tomas said his focus is to be the team's third baseman and he'll be working hard to do that, but it's unknown if he'll be ready by Opening Day, and that could be an issue for Arizona.
