How Jonathan India is juggling a lot of adjustments in Reds spring training
GREETINGS, Ariz One of the spring’s highlights, the Cincinnati Reds gathered on one of the backfields of the spring training facilities on Monday morning for a practice. It’s known as “27 outs.” When there are runners on base in particular innings, as designated by bench coach Freddie Benavides, the nine position players on the field must make the appropriate play for the circumstances.
Jonathan India stood in at first base the entire drill. India moved to left field to continue learning the outfield after the drill was done.India has worked longer hours in those new positions than at his previous one throughout the past two weeks. India is in motion as Matt McLain gets ready to take over as the Reds’ second baseman.
Reds manager David Bell stated, “All I want is for (India) to stay healthy and be himself.” “He is a skilled athlete.”
Where will Jonathan India play for the Reds?
It is anticipated that India will play almost all of the time this season, starting at designated hitter, left field, first base, and second base. Coming up with that idea in December is one thing, but teaching India how to play two positions that are completely foreign to him is a whole other task.
India stated, “For me, playing naturally is the key.” “I’m doing that mentally, even if it’s not that easy. I’ve been putting a lot of effort into it. My footwork around the bag is becoming more natural, and I’m improving on my placement and selects. It’s been largely reliable. I have to get better at playing the ball off the wall in the outfield. the throwing motion and approach to the ball. Everything is still in construction.
In addition to picking up two new skills, India is finishing a build-up program designed to strengthen his heel and foot. During the offseason, India suffered a plantar fasciitis, so he has been increasing the amount of running he does during camp.He stated he would play in a spring training game in the coming days, that India is on schedule to be prepared for Opening Day. However, his experience mastering the outfield has been shaped by the milestones in India’s running growth.
Reds outfield coach Collin Cowgill stated, “It’s about comfort.” “With him, the goal is to maximize repetitions while minimizing the amount of time he must stand. He’s seeing things right away. That repetition is reaching him. So far, he’s done an incredible job. He’s receiving his reps, so he’s not unfamiliar with the game.”
Drills to learn outfield positions and first base
Cowgill has become more inventive and has made it a priority to persuade India officials to shag fly balls in the outfield. India was once a football team, and Cowgill has put the country through drills with defensive backs.India backpedals “off the line of scrimmage,” pivots his hips, and goes into a sprint to catch a deep pass as Cowgill tosses the ball. India then applies that footwork when tracking the baseball.
According to Cowgill, “he’s a great athlete, so he picks things up fast.” I have always believed that he is capable of doing good in the world. He is skilled in his field and an athletic.
India is honing his swing as well. He became a very effective hitter in May of 2021 during his rookie season after he began utilizing a toe tap. India is now more fluid with his movements and doesn’t always use the same toe tap.
India hasn’t been able to observe how his swing appears in game conditions because he’s still going through his buildup stage. But at the spring training facilities, he gets multiple live at-bats every day against Reds pitchers in the backfield.
India remarked, “My swing is all about how I’m feeling that day.” “I don’t take a certain position. Just whether my timing is correct remains. All I want to do is step up and hit. Be smooth, compete inside the box, and keep things simple. Everyone discusses mechanics. For me, that doesn’t function as well.
India still doesn’t have his own first baseman’s glove, despite working extensively at the position. He’s been trying on teammates’ gloves, and on Monday, India used the first baseman’s mitt belonging to Spencer Steer.
This spring, India has a lot of learning to do. He still needs to improve on his speed, defense, and swing. In order to receive an accurate evaluation of his current situation, he expressed his excitement for the spring training games.
India declared, “I’m excited to play and I’m ready to play.” “I’m just eager to get my adrenaline flowing and be at game speed. But for now, I’m really happy.