Quote:
Originally Posted by Anyong Bluth
Wouldn't the call up and actual appearance in the playoffs be a bit of an indication that they have some expectation that the kid will be with the team this season? He may not break spring training with the club, but I think he might be someone who is given time to spell either infield spot on some basis. Transition him slowly, and he certainly can't hurt you in the lineup if all he's replacing is Infante's bat.
Where does the kid project to likely bat in the order?
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Not trying to add a long-term solution at2B to avoid blocking Mondesi makes sense... But they're going all in for 2016 and 2017, too.
I think that in an ideal world, Mondesi would hit well enough to get a call-up in September and get a chance to win the everyday 2B in 2017 before transitioning him to SS full-time in 2017 and letting Escobar walk
Lot of things must line up for that to work, but I think that's what the team is hopeful will happen.
As for his role... At his best, Mondesi would be an ideal 1-2 hitter, capable of hitting .300 with 15 HR, 40 2B, and 30-40 SB.
His floor is a similar hitter to Escobar... Good speed, good contact skills, bad plate discipline, empty average hitter whose average fluctuates based on his BABIP year to year.