Yasiel Puig

[71buc]

As a long suffering Pirate and Indian fan the Dodgers are my guilty pleasure. I got the pleasure of watching Yasiel Puig in the Cactus League. He was a stunning talent to behold. At 22 he is 6’3” and 245 lbs., he looked, moved and played like Bo, only with more discipline at the plate. In 27 games he hit .517 and had a .828 slugging percentage. In one game I saw him work his way back from an 0-2 count and then drive a 3-2 curve ball over 400 feet for a homer. His next at bat he slapped a slider away to right field and then stole second base. He then singled and tripled in his next two at bats. Although it was a spring training game his talent was undeniable.

The Dodgers have optioned him to AA Chattanooga. Mattingly claims, “He needs a little work in certain areas, the details of the game”. One of those details would be who would be willing to take Carl Crawford and his contract off the Dodgers hands so Puig can play. I hope the Dodgers make the rumored trade of Ethier for Kinsler. This would allow Profar to play in Texas and open a spot for Puig in LA and would benefit both clubs.

http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?p...level='ALL'

[Ease]

Looks like he will be starting tonight for Chattanooga in their home opener, with the big contract I can't imagine he'll be down there for too long.

[chaddurbin]

he's still green. has only played 30 games in the low A after a year and a half layoff. he needs more seasoning. zero walk in ST.

[71buc]

Originally Posted by chaddurbin

he's still green. has only played 30 games in the low A after a year and a half layoff. he needs more seasoning. zero walk in ST.

I disagree. He played for the Cuban National team and for Cienfuego for two years prior to defecting. He has hit well at every level, albeit in brief stints, with the Dodgers. I have to believe that his experience to date has prepared him for the opportunity to join the Dodger roster.

Cespedas was a product of the same Cuban system where he played 4 seasons. He signed with Oakland in February 2012 and made his MLB debut a month later. The lack of minor league seasoning does not seem to have effected him.

Before he made his MLB debut Bryce Harper's seasoning included one year of Minor League ball and Community College. Surely JC ball is a bit less competitive than the Cuban National team.

After high school Mike Trout played 44 Rookie League games, 131 games at A ball, and the 91 games at AA before playing his first MLB game at age 20.

The seasoning you refer to was not a factor in the development of these three players because they are freakish talents just as Puig is. I am not saying that he will necessarily duplicate their success but it would be fun to watch him try!

[Ease]

Not bad so far.
Puig's Stats

[71buc]

Originally Posted by Ease

Not bad so far.
Puig's Stats

He must think it is still spring training