Can Valdespin get the call to travel North?
All of last season, the talk of Met nation was all concerned about Jose Reyes, obviously for good reason. Anytime a player wins the batting title and plays with the excitement and intensity of a player of Reyes’ caliber people are going to be talking about it. One of the aspects about Reyes’ game that most fans absolutely loved included the non baseball dynamics that he brought to the table. Passion, smiling, having fun, loose, exciting, childish, stylish, flair, are all words that have been used to describe the player that Met fans fell in love with. The majority of Met fans just assume all those adjectives have packed up and gone to the division rival Miami Marlins for a lucrative contract. I’m here to say, not so fast.
Enter Jordany Valdespin. The young Met middle infielder has certainly provided something exciting to watch during spring training other than Mike Pelfrey getting whiplash from watching balls get ripped over the fences. Valdespin certainly carries some of those Reyes characteristics we all loved. He’s got that smooth style that makes him look like he’s just out there trying to have fun. That kind of attitude can translate really well onto a team that coming into the season doesn’t look like it will be very competitive. A fiery manager like Terry Collins can always use a player who’s got that energizer bunny feel to him to help support his positive attitude. Heck, Reyes kept the Mets believing last year and made Terry Collins look great.
Now, for all of you out there saying how dare you compare Valdespin to Reyes, he’s not even close to the same player. I’m not saying that he’s the next Reyes or even close it. Jose Reyes is a special player that comes around once every decade or so and we were lucky enough to have had the opportunity to watch him suit up in the blue&orange. What I’m getting at is that I like the fire Valdespin brings to the table. It fits in well and can be really inspiring to a young team that’s still trying to find it’s identity and where it’s looking to go.
Baseball wise, it’s tough to argue against Valdespin’s versatility. His ability to play the middle infield and also patrol center field as we’ve seen in spring training can be incredibly valuable to this Met team that’s questionable at both positions. With Scott Hairston looking like he’ll be ready for opening day, Valdespin’s chances of coming north with the team don’t look promising but I’d love to see him get the opportunity. This spring training the young second basemen has produced a .317 avg and a .348 OBP, a stat that carries a lot of weight in the Sandy Alderson “Moneyball” regime. Last season while splitting time between AA and AAA, Valdespin posted an .801 OPS, swiping 37 bags, and finding some legitimate power with 17 home runs. It would be great to see the kid get a chance at the senior circuit to see how his numbers fare.
Bottom line is, the kid’s alright. Between the attitude he brings, versatility, and stats that Valdespin brings to the table, he should certainly be considered to break camp with the big league team. I hope that Jordany Valdespin gets the chance to compete for a starting job at either second base, shortstop, or centerfield. On a young team like this, a little more competition and spark can only bring out the best in the team. Keep an eye on Valdespin, even if he doesn’t make the big league club, he’s an exciting player to watch.
11 comments
SpencerRealDirtyMets
3/28/2012-4:58pm at 4:58 pm (UTC -4)
I think valdespin is a very talented player, but he has some character issues and lacks plate discipline. If he can overcome that I think he could be a solid player down the line.
MetsFan4Decades
3/28/2012-6:39pm at 6:39 pm (UTC -4)
Agree with Spencer here.
Reyes certainly was a special player – one I was sorry to see go. His enthusiasm fo the game is not the same trait I’m seeing in Valdespin – although I will say it’s a small sample size to me yet. Saw him the other day, make a lazy throw over to first that barely go the runner. That doesn’t bode well for someone trying to break in with the ML team.
Too bad we couldn’t combine Murph’s work ethic with Valdespin’s athleticism.
MetsFan4Decades
3/28/2012-6:47pm at 6:47 pm (UTC -4)
Let me add though that I think we’ll see him up sooner rater than later and would like nothing better than to see his apparent talents translate well at the ML level.
Stickguy
3/28/2012-7:52pm at 7:52 pm (UTC -4)
I like his game. As MF noted, if he can mature enough to not let his ‘tude get in the way, he has a bright future.
I really want to see him back at AAA, working hard on the fine pints of playing 2B and plate discipline. He will never survie as a goof off or wild hacker in the show.
But, he could be back quick.
I also want him at 2B, because I have no real confidence murphy can do it (and stay healthy) all year, and the depth is woeful. CF? not worried about that.
only way I put Valdy in CF is if they really think he won’t be able to stick at 2B.
who knows with the IF> If wright gets hurt or traded, Murphy could go to 3B. Murphy could go down. Etc. But I think there are a lot more scenarios where they need a 2B than a CF after Kirk (who would get the first call).
saltygary
3/28/2012-8:41pm at 8:41 pm (UTC -4)
Welcome AG. I haven’t seen enough of him to get caught in the attitude hype. AAA is definitely the right spot for him. Lets see him get in a rhythm. If all works out well, then bring his butt up.
Hopefully they keep giving him reps in the OF. Sounds like his defense at 2nd isn’t great and I am all for bumping Torres or Bay.
NJstuckinTX
3/29/2012-8:31am at 8:31 am (UTC -4)
Welcome.
Spin has much to prove, and just saying “yeah, I’ll try centerfield” isn’t enough for me to be comfortable with him out there. Given time, maybe he adjusts. We’ll see…
But as for attitude/cockiness, it didn’t bother me in 86′, and it won’t be bothering me now. Hopefully he blossoms into something nice.
Ceetar
3/29/2012-9:17am at 9:17 am (UTC -4)
Problem is Reyes was 19, Valdespin is 24. This very well may be a make it or break it year for him. BIGGEST thing is he needs to walk. a lot more. If he does that, he’ll make it.
Right after you posted this Alderson basically said that he can see Jordanny becoming a part of this teams future, and not in a bench role way, but that he’s almost definitely going to AAA where he will get some time in CF too.
trs86
3/29/2012-9:29am at 9:29 am (UTC -4)
WELCOME AG!!!! Part of the NEW CORE!!!
LOL.
Oklahoma Met
3/29/2012-10:34am at 10:34 am (UTC -4)
Forgive my ignorance, for I have much of it, but being in Oklahoma, i don’t get the same type of coverage. I keep hearing about character or attitude issues about Valdespin. What did he do?
Ceetar
3/29/2012-10:38am at 10:38 am (UTC -4)
you know, I don’t even know. I’ve never seen it prefaced with examples.
Stick
3/29/2012-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
it seems to be a big secret. Just vague reports that he was suspended a few times for something.