Francisco Lindor's default defensive setting is 'wow'
Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor did it again - and again, and again, during Monday night's loss to the Twins.
The 22-year-old put on a defensive clinic at shortstop, showcasing both his range (big enough to play two positions at once, basically) and his throwing arm (a rocket) in a series of plays that help explain just how he posted a WAR of 4.6 a season ago.
In the third, Eduardo Nunez hit a hopper to the hole at shortstop - but there was Lindor, gliding over and uncorking an off-balance laser to retire him at first base:
Two innings later, Lindor ranged in the OTHER direction to corral a bouncer that deflected off pitcher Danny Salazar's glove before ricocheting toward second. What makes this one extra fun is this: Lindor, moving like a blur across second base, managed to reach back behind himself and grab the ball before firing to first:
Said Lindor to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian after the game regarding the 1-6-3 putout:
"Whenever I'm going to my left, I know the chances of me getting the guy out are a lot higher, because the throw is a lot shorter. The ball skipped to my right. I put my hand on it and it hit my hand. It stayed near me, so I was capable of making that play."
Just don't hit it in his general direction, hitters. But maybe that isn't the best advice, since Lindor's general direction seems to be anywhere on the diamond.
Indians manager Terry Francona summed up Lindor's level of play when speaking with Bastian:
"He's pretty special. His ability to get the ball on a line with accuracy and with some carry on it is pretty impressive."
We're simply not worthy.