Before I start my article today, news broke that the Mets reached a deal (terms TBD) for righty Taijuan Walker.
I look at two things in that regard and smile. First, he will be pitching in a DH-less NL this year. Career-wise, his ERA in the NL is a dandy 3.47. Not so bad in the AL either, at 3.99.
Second, he essentially slides into Steve Matz's slot. Matz had an ERA of nearly 10 last year, so I think Walker will represent a real and reliable upgrade. In an off season of real and reliable upgrades. Halleluia!
Now, on to the article du jour:
John from Albany's daily aggregation of articles includes all kinds of great stuff.
One thing it has included is Winter Ball stats.
The Mets have had fairly recently acquired minor leaguer David Rodriguez playing in one of those leagues.
And he has hit really well, making a case for himself to be considered for major league opportunities in 2021 and/or 2022.
D Rod has hit .376 in 157 at bats, gotten on base 30 additional times via walks and HBP, putting up a nearly .475 OBP, and fanned just 26 times in 188 PAs.
Great stuff by D Rod. Carpe Diem in 2021.
It got me to look at what other guys have excelled in Winter Ball.
One who absolutely stood out to me?
21 year old Cuban lefty hitting IF Cesar Prieto.
In Cuban ball in 2020-21, he has hit an amazing .403 with - get this - 11 strikeouts in 360 plate appearances. In 650 at bats in Cuba since turning 19, he has hit .375 with 44 Ks in 752 PAs.
He apparently is very highly regarded. Google him if you'd like.
Not tall at 5'8". but the bat kind of feels like another Greg Jefferies.
Don't know if or when he might be able to play in the states - but this team is no longer Wilpon-owned. Steve Cohen should be in the mix on these types of guys.
If we could sign what appears to be a great upcoming Cuban player like Prieto, for once, I hope we are in on him - and winners in the bidding.
If he hits .403 at age 21 in Cuba, one would think he is already close to major league ready, if not already of the ability to step right into a major league line up.
Just remember the name - CESAR PRIETO.
6 comments:
Prieto sounds very interesting. What position on the infield does he play?
Well, if we hadn’t heard before, he’s on the map now! Great find Tom!
(Can you tell I’m excited?)
he is a 2B, and if he is doing that at that young age, he has to be another Gregg Jefferies...or better.
Yes, Gus, you are effusive LOL
It sure beat writing about JB Jr again
I have seen Cesar in action many times over the years and have captured him in photo/video
Here is a short video I put together on him recently
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vitl7Mt9sZY
Also check out my new website https://cubadugout.com
I will have a profile on him up soon.
Phil Selig, interesting video on Prieto. He looked a little like a shorter version of Jeff McNeil to me - sweet swing. If you see this comment, who would you comp him to in terms of the big leagues?
I was asked this question recently and fanned on it, until I realized the player had just retired. Dustin Pedroia, undersized, grinder who puts bat to ball. Now I’m not going as far as saying MVP or multiple time Champion, but I see similarity.
http://cubadugout.com/2021/02/16/cesar-word-salad/
Also consider giving a follow on Twitter @cubadugout
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