Tom Brennan - Early Kids in Kamp - Hitters' Update

Tom Brennan - Early Kids in Kamp - Hitters' Update

The Mets have their hitting regulars, and we all know who they are...Cano, Ramos, Nimmo, Conforto, Rosario, and others of lesser stature.

Some of the "others" will make it, some will not.

But:

How are the kids doing?  

The ones unlikely to make it, some of whom might surprise us that they are getting in real spring games at all.

INFIELDERS CAN HIT!!!!

Well, we have the first base competition, Alonso vs. Smith, scheduled to go 15 rounds...fine, but who started at first base on Wednesday against the Marlins?  

1B Jeremy Vasquez, that's who.   

With 80 games with Columbia and 45 more with St Lucie in 2018, and a very solid split of .280/.369/.421 in just his second season (and first full season), the 22 year old Vasquez must be liked by the hierarchy to be given a starting opportunity at 1B.  

"JV" no doubt hopes to play for the varsity within the next few years.

So far, Jeremy is 0 for 2, with 3 walks and no strikeouts. That .600 OBP is nice!

JD Davis almost qualifies more as a regular than as a kid, given that he already has major league time in, but I'm giving him some props here.  

So far, through Wednesday, and smelling blood in the water now that two of the elders, Frazier and Lowrie, will be out for a while with boo boos, 2018 PCL batting champ Davis had a heckuva day Wednesday with a homer and 4 ribbies, and is now 4 for 12 - and without a single strikeout.

I dunno about you, but me likes JD.

Davis could easily end up with playing time for the Mets at third base if he keeps on "sticking" with it.

Two other dudes who have played 3B so far this spring are:

Gavin Cecchini and David Thompson.  Gavin's old "E" nemesis reared its head Wednesday, as he made a throwing error and a fielding error.  Stick-wise so far this spring, he is 2 for 6 and 3 walks, though, so he has come to play, it certainly seems.  Go, Gavin, go!

David Thompson wants to bypass Gavin, no doubt, and this particular 3rd baseman slammed a 3 run shot on Tuesday to show "he got game."  But, fair and balanced, he is just 1 for 8 so far.

Luis Guillorme did not impress enough with the bat last year, but so far, so great for Luis this spring: 

2 singles, a double, and a walk in 7 plate appearances.  Keep it up, Luis.  

Staying in the infield, former Mets uber-prospect Dilson Herrera is 0 for 6 and a walk so far.  Hopefully, he can soon start hitting more like Odubel Herrera or Asdrubal Cabrera.

I HAVE TO CATCH, AND HIT TOO??

At catcher, Messrs. Nido, Mazeika, Plaia, and Sanchez have not yet channeled the bat of former catching great Yogi Berra this spring.  The quartet have gone a stinky combined 0 for 15.  Perhaps all are members of a left wing "Cruelty to Baseballs" organization.  Hits are what count, fellas.

MEANWHILE, OUT IN THE OUTFIELD:

In the "don't forget that I'm an outfielder here, too" category, Kevin Kaczmarski is 1 for 3 and 2 walks so far.  Very nice.  Clearly out to make an impression.  I hope he has added some power to his game this off season.

Braxton Lee, from the Marlins, gives the Mets both a Braxton and a Broxton, which could be interesting if both eventually end up playing in the Mets' oufield at the same time. 

The 25 year old lefty-hitting Lee had an off year in the minors and in his brief cup o' Joe in the majors in 2018...

But in 2017, in AA and the Arizona Fall League, he did great, with 173 hits and a split of .314/.396/.387, with some speed.  He is 1 for 5 and a walk and 3 Ks so far this spring.

Quinn Brodey had a mixed season last year in the Mets minors, but the former 3rd round outfielder is 1 for 2 and a walk so far - good to see.

IN OUR NEVER TOO YOUNG SEGMENT:

Sebastian Espino - he ain't 19 yet, but the young shortstop singled in his one at bat.  Amed Rosario looked a little nervous there (chuckle) - but it had to be a thrill for the 18 year old to get that hit.  Fellow SS Ronny Mauricio, still just 17, is 0 for 1.

Andres Gimenez did not hit well in the AFL last fall, and is 0 for 5 so far.  He informed me he is not part of the Cruelty to Baseballs organization.   So far, I am taking him at his word.

OF Anthony Dirocie had a nice season in rookie ball last year (.274/.375/.447), and is 1 for 1 this spring.  Beats 0 for 1, any day.  Keep up the good work, AD.

LASTLY, THE NO HITS YET CLUB:

Sam Haggerty (0-3, and a walk) and Tim Tebow (0-4, but hitting solidly, so I am told).  

Luis Carpio, Stanley Consuegra, Blake Tiberi, and Matt Winaker are all 0 for 1 so far.  The good news is if they get a hit in their next at bat, they are hitting .500!

Yep, it is early, but it is still fun.  

A WISH FOR SUCCESS FOR ONE AND ALL!