CHICAGO – A year ago, Eugenio Suarez was just beginning to turn the corner at third base. He’d switched there from short in spring training, and quickly realized how technically demanding the position really is.
His footwork was off. His sloppy fundamentals prevented him from reacting quickly to hard-hit balls and from making on-target throws to first with any consistently. Watching his first half in 2016 was like watching a first-time juggler test his aptitude with knives instead of balls.
But then Suarez improved. He worked with Cincinnati Reds infield coach Freddie Benavides on his technique and showed strides as last season came to a close.