The Strange case of Bradley Zimmer and how the Cleveland Indians might be missing his True Potential.

Having watched Bradley Zimmer in the outfield several things become clear.  

• Bradley Zimmer can throw over 100 miles an hour
• Bradley Zimmer sometimes throws the ball so hard and low that it has hit the ground a mere 60 feet from where he released his throw, yet the ball skip bounced so fast a runner trying to stretch a single into a double was still out at second.
• Bradley Zimmer runs really, really, fast.
• Bradley Zimmer is so fast and has such a long stride that running at full speed and taking his first step onto the warning track it now becomes too late for Zimmer to safely stop before crashing into the outfield fence at full speed.
• If Zimmer ever ran into another outfielder while running at full speed, both outfielders could be seriously hurt and even have their careers ended.
• Bradley Zimmer is too talented for the outfield.
• Bradley Zimmer should either play first base, or be a Closer.

Yes, Bradley Zimmer should either play first base or be a Closer.

In this day and age of Advanced Analytics there could actually be scenarios where the Indians would bring Zimmer in from first base to pitch in a two out situation. The pitcher could either come out of the game, or go to first base, the idea being Zimmer would throw 102 mph and strike out the batter, end the inning, go back to first to start the next inning, and the pitcher from the prior inning would either go back to pitch, or be replaced by another pitcher. 

Zimmer's height could make his 102 mile an hour fastball look like 105 because his release point would be closer to home plate.

Imagine Richie Sexson with blazing speed. But even then Zimmer most likely still has a better arm. Zimmer is not only wasted in the outfield, he is an accident waiting to happen....again.

But at first base Zimmer could prove a blessing in disguise, especially if he can throw 102 mph darts and also be an instant reliever or Closer when necessary. If Zimmer can scoop low throws off of the ground, his extension on all throws to him at first could actually cut off .01 to .02 seconds off because of his extension, which is the equivalent of one or two video frames. Every game there is at least one or two plays that come down to literally one or two video frames in replay.

And then on high throws, the ability to extend and catch a high throw and avoid having to leap would be two more distinct advantages since any leap on a throw can add one half to one second until the first baseman actually re contacts the first base bag after leaping.

With all the names being bandied about for first base, Bradley Zimmer should be at the top of the list.  The last thing I want to see is Zimmer and a relatively inexperienced Nolan Jones diving for the same sinking liner and colliding at a horrifying rate of speed.

Los Angeles Emmy winning Producer Alessandro Machi combines his editing, camera and observational skills to provide unique insights into the World of Sports.