It is hard to argue that we got much more "athletic" defensively. Well. Martin is a big improvement (certainly).....but Aoki is no glovey wonder in RF, based on dWAR. On the other hand, the only real place Dipoto could rack up some defensive saves, minus CF and RF is LF.
So there you go. We're better in CF (maybe a bunch) and some better in RF.
We likely aren't winning the division on defensive improvement.
But getting "more athletic" might mean more than defense and speed. Actually speed is a pretty poor way to determine "athleticism." Were it the case, Usain Bolt would play in the NBA and bat leadoff for the Cardinals, winning a GG for playing CF. 'Tis not the case, however.
I think Dipoto, a smart guy, occassionally falls (like many a GM) into the cliche potholes of the sport.
Because if he didn't, then it indicates that he thinks Nelson Cruz, a terrible baserunner and lousy fielder, isn't an "athlete."
That's a narrow description.
If the NBA is the ultimate "athlete's game," is Dipoto (and every other GM) saying that Clyde Drexler (a sensational leaper with great speed) is a better "athlete" than Larry Bird. one of the best to ever play the game?
I'm wandering, I suppose. But the whole "athletic" definition that is commonly used eats me up sometimes.