Apr 19 2019 07:58 PM
I'm something you didn't used to see: I'm a lanky 6'2" shortstop. Two inches taller than Reyes. Guys like me used to be tracked into the outfield. But the Mets stuck with me at short.
I came up in late 2017, and I hadn't seemed to grow into my body. My walkup music might have been "I've Got No Strings to Hold Me Down." All sorts of stabbing and grabbing a the ball. No smooveness.
But I made enough of an impression. Some people were saying I reminded them of Francisco Lindor, and others were saying I looked like Francis X. Healy out there. Going into 2018, the job was mine. And any improvements seemed subtle. I looked like a big leaguer but only kinda. On plays that my size might have been an asset on — reaching for drives over my head, stretching for balls to my background — I'd fumble. I'd fumble like the second coming of Rocky Thompson. Pitchers would throw that cutter inside and my over-long swing would flail feebly.
But I'm starting to grow into my adult body. Play a little bit more compact, and I'm getting a few line drives on high pitches that used to be popups. I"m fouling off the cutter and slider inside a little more, rather than windmilling. And nothing helps a guy grow up a little more than not having José Reyes for a mentor. I mean, come on.
My numbers aren't that much better, but the eyeball test reads more "legit big leaguer" than "big leaguer on the bubble."
I won't say it's a make-or-break year. But I do have to keep moving forward. The Mets have another sweet shortstop prospect at Bingo a third one at Columbia. I just have to be comfortable, be smart, and be me. And as there are no other shortstops on the team, I'm pretty sure I'm going to get every chance.
How those chances will pay off — you may have an opinion about that.