The current Mets team is the definition of mediocre, win two, lose two, win one, lose one game and so on. Behind the varied level of success is a bunch of enigmatic players. This article is the first of a series of four articles highlighting players whose contributions could be anywhere from a two homerun game to giving up six runs in two innings.
The first enigma hasn’t been on the major league Mets for long but he will be an enigma for many years to come. This player is current back-up middle infielder and occasional center fielder, Jordany Valdespin. This series of articles starts with Valdespin because he is textbook enigma, great tools, varied success and we don’t totally know where his head is sometimes.
He has already had inconsistent statistics in the minors. He had good counting numbers with over 30 steals and 15 homers last year in the minors between Double-A and
Triple-A. However, the year before he had an OBP of .300 and was caught stealing 12 out of 29 times.
Jordany has some of every skill, speed, power, pure hitting ability and can flash a good glove while playing a premium position at shortstop. His skills are very raw, though, as evident by his sloppy play at times, his wild swing and the fact he looks lost whenever a pitcher snaps off a good breaking pitch. A reason for this may be as simple as he’s no ready for the show yet. Evidence of his ups and downs have already been on display when he hit a walk off homerun in Philly. Then costing the Mets a game versus the Nationals with two late inning errors. Hopefully the Mets will learn how much he will be able to contribute.
I think this year is just the precursor for future years of what Jordany Valdespin will bring to the Mets. He will continue to befuddle Mets fans more and more each year as he gets more playing time. Mets fans will learn to love and hate Valdespin. He is the traditional enigma, with the talent to be really good but for whatever reason may never put it together. He is still early in his career, so he has plenty of time to graduate from enigma status.
Look for the next enigma coming soon…
6 comments
NJstuckinTX
6/28/2012-8:29am at 8:29 am (UTC -4)
I have been critical of Valdy, but having seen his skills, I would be hesitant to trade him away. I think he is an enigma in that he’s so good… but where do you put him. Probably at 2B, but he’s still a year away. He needs a little refining, but he could be something well above average, for sure. Just don’t go calling him a SS or 4D will freak out.
srt
6/28/2012-8:38am at 8:38 am (UTC -4)
Ha! Was just about to comment concerning Spin as future SS when I saw your comment.
I don’t think there is anyway Spin plays SS for this team. His minor league numbers at that position are terrible.
I believe he could play a very credible 2nd base but the only thing holding him back is not his skills, which are very good, but his head. He looked much better the last time he was up so I’m hoping that ‘talk’ Wally apparently had with him is finally sinking in.
He needs more reps at the plate too. Nice pop in his bat but he’s a bit of a hacker yet. Learn some plate discipline – wait on his pitch – and he could be a formidable threat at the plate.
Saying all that, I just have a gut feeling he won’t be our 2nd baseman of the future. He might hold the position for awhile, but it looks like to me they’re grooming Flores for that position now.
Stickguy
6/28/2012-9:03am at 9:03 am (UTC -4)
good 1st guy to go with.
I am not that high on him. Very skeptical that he can translate the raw skills into being an actual starting player, that has to be prepared and focus every game, every AB, every inning.
I can see though why they considered moving him to CF. A bit more of a tools position (see the ball and run like hell) and less mental than MI.
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But, right now, I think they need to pick a spot, and let him play every day in AAA for as long as it takes. Maybe he does put it all together. But I don’t expect it in the very near term.
And like MF, I don’t see him as the future at 2B. FLores, I love that idea. And I am giving Havens 1 more chance.
Stickguy
6/28/2012-9:06am at 9:06 am (UTC -4)
oh, and a minor quibble.
You can’t hit a walk off on the road.
Paul
6/28/2012-11:21am at 11:21 am (UTC -4)
Jordany Valdespin seems more like the type of player you include in an off-season trade package for less enigmatic talent.
Also, is it just me or did Omar Minaya sign and draft a LOT of young players who didn’t really have a defensive position?
Stickguy
6/28/2012-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
It certainly did not seem to be a priority, no.
From what we have seen with Sandy’s first 2 drafts, besides liking guys with good plate discipline, is that they are also getting ones with good defensive reputations. Certainly helps to draft a SS or catcher that should actually be able to stay at the position!