Where did it come from? IIRC, most people here didn't think he was going to be much of a prospect...maybe a bench player at best. Did people's feelings change because Sandy and Co. talked him up during ST? Not sure if a guy with a few innings in the OF in his career should be called upon to be part of a rotation in the OF in Citifield.

Sandy himself implied they saw him as a utility guy but the "love" is basically because he's a very poor man's Reyes. He's uber athletic, has some pop, good speed and some flash. He's flawed no doubt but he'll be more fun to watch than Justin Turner.

Maybe has a chance to be Bonifacio, slightly less speed and more pop.

The "love" is based around athleticism, youth and an ability to help, moreso (or perceived moreso) than another veteran retread. I don't think anyone called for a starting gig to be handed to him.

Calling for him to be part of a platoon over Mike Baxter really isn't any earth-shattering. He's likely to be an exciting, and at times infuriating, guy to watch, and if you take W/L's out of it (any argument as to who helps W/L's more between he and Baxter is absolute guess-work), he's likely more appealing to a fan than his current alternatives.

Also: as far as non-prospect to sudden prospect: he had a REALLY GOOD, albeit somewhat unsustainable with the plate discipline stuff, year last year.

.294/.333/.468 with 37 steals and 17 HRs is very good for an up-the-middle defender, which reminds me that his stock also trended up when he started playing CF, as his ability to provide value on defense, despite his plus athleticism, had always held back his prospect status as well.

good style. Something we need around here.

Jim (levittown)



Odds Mets regular starting OF in August is Valdespin, Kirk, Duda? I'd say its likely unless season ending injury causes need for V-spin or Duda in IF or surprise contention leads to veteran preference.

Adam Rubin
(12:29 PM)



I know it's the flavor of the month to love Jordany Valdespin. The scouts I talk to are not enamored. Too much head movement. Will have trouble with hard stuff in and recognition of off-speed stuff -- especially straight changeups -- guys I trust tell me. And these are the guys feeding reports to their teams about how to approach him.

There might be a major league starter buried somewhere I there, but I have a hard time believing that it's ready to show itself.

I think it's pretty impressive that he could go into left field, never having played that specific position at any level, and do okay while also getting his first ML start.

Contrast that with the travails of other recent Mets who have struggled for weeks and even months to adjust to playing a position.

The athletic ability he has combined with the self-confidence to take on new challenges is probably something decision-makers like because it makes their jobs easier.

I'm guessing that willingness to play new positions is probably the flip-side of the cockiness he's been criticized for in the past. Fine line there.