MLB Rumors: When will Mets call up Mark Vientos?
The New York Mets called up Brett Baty a few weeks ago, and it has paid dividends. Buck Showalter's bunch went to the fountain of youth, called up Baty and received instant offense. It was a joy to watch in Queens, but Baty shouldn't be the end of the youth movement.
The likes of Ronny Mauricio and Mark Vientos are raking in the minor leagues, but could be contributing to the big-league squad if given the chance. Vientos is one of only two players in all of MiLB with 10 doubles and 10 home runs. He has ridiculous power to all fields, and is showing that off in the Mets system.
As for Mauricio, he's a position-less wonder at the moment. The Mets have tried to move him off shortstop, which could be a hint that a call-up is looming. Eventually, all three of Baty, Vientos and Mauricio should be in Queens this season, but that time is not now for reasons beyond my comprehension.
Vientos delay could be the lack of a clear need on New York's roster. If called up now, Vientos would likely slot in at designated hitter. Mauricio, meanwhile, could play second base, which would move Jeff McNeil to the outfield.
MLB Rumors: What did we learn from Dodgers-Padres rivalry?
No, Dodgers vs. Padres isn't Red Sox-Yankees just yet, but that didn't stop the ESPN broadcast from asking Mookie Betts live. His reaction was predictable — as much as these two teams don't like each other, there's decades of hatred to make up for on the east coast.
Still, the Dodgers and Padres are expected to compete for an NL West crown all season long. San Diego signed Xander Bogaerts this offseason, adding to their already-stacked lineup. Fernando Tatis Jr. is back, and Manny Machado inked his extension. There are very few holes on this current Padres roster.
Still, the Dodgers are the Dodgers. Even with a band of misfits, including James Outman, who hit the game-winning home run last night, Los Angeles has the upper hand in this rivalry until proven otherwise. The Friars defeated LA in the postseason last year, yes, but the Dodgers have won nine out of the last ten division crowns. The West runs through them until further notice.
By taking two out of three games in San Diego, LA sent an early-season message. Yes, they lost Trea Turner and more this offseason, but the Dodgers aren't to be taken lightly, even if it takes awhile for fans to familiarize themselves with some of the names on the back of these Dodgers blue uniforms.
MLB Rumors: Willson Contreras returns to Wrigley Field
Willson Contreras made some damning comments about the Chicago Cubs upon his departure, especially after they took some shots at his work ethic in an article by The Athletic. Contreras was disappointed in said commentary, and even went as far as to say it's refreshing to be part of a winning organization for a change.
Since then, Contreras and St. Louis are off to one of the worst starts in recent franchise history. They head to Chicago for Contreras return to Wrigley Field with a record of 11-24, which is good for last place in the NL Central. They are nine games behind the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have lost seven games in a row, after narrowly escaping with a win over the Tigers on Sunday.
Contreras was in the news often this weekend, as St. Louis hinted at potentially changing his position from behind the plate to in the outfield. That was not received well by Contreras or the fanbase, of course, given the Cards signed the former All-Star catcher to a five-year, $87.5 million contract this offseason.
Willson's bat is his strength, which is why he should continue to be featured in the lineup as a designated hitter. However, St. Louis has high expectations of him behind the plate given he is replacing a team legend in Yadier Molina. In many ways, Contreras has been made the scapegoat of the Cardinals putrid start. Is that really the Cardinal Way?
When Cubs manager David Ross was asked about this debacle, he pointed to Molina, and the expectations the Cards have for such a demanding position.
"You're not going to replace that person," Ross said, per the Chicago Sun-Times. "You're going to have to find your own way. There are some guys who have been there a really long time working with Yadi. Going about things differently sometimes doesn't go smoothly. … Change takes an adjustment period."
Change does take time, and for now at least, St. Louis is taking their frustrations out on a player who is not — and will never be — Yadier Molina. The sooner Oli Marmol and Co. figure that out, the better.