I would imagine that it would be realistic to expect a downgrade in range simply due to lack of experience.
I recall playing softball and moving around the outfield, and everything "feels" different when you go from one position to another.
The trajectory off the bat is not at all what you are used to, balls can curve in different directions than you are accustomed to, etc.
Even a professional at the highest level will probably feel the same effects, thus his otherwise instinctive first step will probably be lost, reducing his overall effective range.

Of course, I could be wrong, and that is why I am a softball league reject, and these guys are professional ballplayers......