Wilmer Flores, SS?, New York Mets (Profile)
Level: MLB Age: 22 Top-15: 10th Top-100: N/A
Line: 126 PA, 7.1% BB, 16.7% K, 5 HR, .307/.360/.500 (.337 BABIP) at Triple-A
Summary
He’s not the shortstop of the future, but he’s the shortstop for now. But not really. It’s confusing.
He’s not the shortstop of the future, but he’s the shortstop for now. But not really. It’s confusing.
Notes
Relative to their peers, there are some professional baseball players who are terrible. Of course, they are considerably more talented than most minor leaguers and the pool of athletes who didn’t reach the MLB, but there are some that leave us wondering, “Why are you still receiving regular plate appearances?” Yuniesky Betancourt. Jeff Francoeur. Ruben Tejada.
Relative to their peers, there are some professional baseball players who are terrible. Of course, they are considerably more talented than most minor leaguers and the pool of athletes who didn’t reach the MLB, but there are some that leave us wondering, “Why are you still receiving regular plate appearances?” Yuniesky Betancourt. Jeff Francoeur. Ruben Tejada.
Over the past two seasons (roughly 100 games), Tejada has been worth -1.0 WAR. He clearly has not regained his 2012 form as the Mets have hoped. Now, his consistent playing time was supposed to end when the Mets recalledWilmer Flores. While Flores was moved off shortstop several seasons ago, the Mets’ belief must have been, “He can’t be any worse, right?” Alas, Terry Collins has ensured we would not find out.
Flores started the first two games before he became ill just before the series against the Yankees. In his stead Tejada raked, posting a .569 OPS in 30 plate appearances from May 11 through May 20. Yet, Collins insisted Wednesday that Flores and Tejada will split time.
On Tuesday, in Flores’ second start since returning from his illness, his lack of range was on display. In one instance, a ground ball hit several steps to his left forced an awkward dive and flip to Daniel Murphy. The Mets moved him off the position several years ago because he lacked range and foot speed. That hasn’t changed and it is clear Flores’ future is not at shortstop. A strong performance won’t likely change that but, as a bat-only player, it could convince his suitors that he can be productive at another position. His contact ability remains his best asset and his approach has improved, but unless Flores can prove that last season’s power was not a mirage he will not overcome his defensive shortcomings.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/prospect-watch-cecchini-and-flores-and-their-new-futures/
2 comments:
Simply put, I refuse to believe that Flores, among ALL current mlb players playing the position, would rank as the worst defensively.
Add that to fact that he makes routine plays, turns double plays, and has a rocket arm, so no worries about Duda scooping short hops from this kid...
He's still my obvious choice for 2014 Mets shortstop.
I agree Ernest, and we'll never know the full potential here unless you play him every day for a season (which just isn't going to happen on this team)
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