Sep 23, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves infielder Vaughn Grissom (18) reacts after placing out in opposition to the Philadelphia Phillies within the fourth inning at Residents Financial institution Park. Necessary Credit score: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports activities
Atlanta Braves coach Ron Washington has labored with Vaughn Grissom all offseason, and he likes what he sees.
Changing an All-Star like Dansby Swanson is not any straightforward job, and Atlanta is on no account putting all their eggs in Vaughn Grissom’s basket. However for now, the 22-year-old will enter Spring Coaching with an opportunity to compete for the beginning shortstop job.
Grissom is a local shortstop, however he’s tall and lanky for the place. His work with Ron Washington this offseason, nevertheless, suggests he might transition there with ease. Grissom additionally has expertise at second base and, if known as upon, might transfer to the outfield.
When requested about their coaching periods, Washington urged that Grissom has made a lot progress, although he nonetheless has room to develop.
“Progress. I see issues that I didn’t see earlier,” Washington said on Grant McAuley’s podcast. “He actually, actually, actually desires it, and he’s been placing within the time to deserve it. I believe the followers have to simply be affected person.”
Washington mentioned how the vast majority of his work with Grissom was in footwork and defensive capacity. Only a few of the shortstops Washington has labored with up to now improved immediately, however Grissom is completely different in that regard. He’s made fast strides.
Grissom was pressured to play second base final season because of the harm to Ozzie Albies. As Washington stated, “he was making an attempt to outlive.” Grissom did simply that, remaining within the lineup primarily due to his bat. “He’s bought a skillset, that I really feel, he could be a major-league shortstop. Now, will that occur in a single day? It didn’t occur in a single day with Dansby. It didn’t occur in a single day with Marcus Semien. It didn’t occur in a single day with Miguel Tejada…and all these names I simply named are fairly good gamers,” Washington stated. “However I like the expansion and I just like the angle. I just like the dedication to the work ethic. He might be a distinct wanting man.”
If Washington is right, Grissom could possibly be a Swanson alternative by the tip of the 2023 season.
Braves: Ron Washington stays assured in Vaughn Grissom
