Mets: Would team be better served with Yoenis Cespedes’ arm in right field?

If I had my way, Yoenis Cespedes would be playing right field in order to maximize his superior throwing arm.

That is simply a matter of baseball fundamentals. Right fielders are responsible for making the longest throws, so that’s where you want your best arm.

Aug 22, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New York Mets center fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) leaves the field in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Mets defeated the Rockies 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

A superior throwing arm in right causes opposing runners to stop dead in their tracks at first, second and/or third. It certainly makes them think twice, and almost always makes them regret bad decisions.

Moreover, someone with a strong arm who also understands the importance of proper foot work now in effect becomes a weapon. And therein lies the chess game between right fielders and opposing third base coaches.

Curtis Granderson would get shifted to left field where his arm is better suited for making throws to second base, third base, and to the cut-off man for plays at home.

Juan Lagares would naturally patrol center. He’s hitting much better of late, and that’s a good sign considering he’s dealt with nagging injuries this season which somewhat compromised his throwing.

Otherwise, when healthy, the gold-glove center fielder already demonstrated a sufficiently strong and accurate throwing arm on plays to third, and in so far as hitting the cut-off man (within vicinity of the mound) on plays home.

Michael Cuddyer would still get his share of starts serving as a right-hand compliment to both Granderson, and Lucas Duda at first base. And as a veteran who won’t shrink in big moments, Cuddyer would become a valuable asset for Terry Collins off the bench.