Yasiel Puig

[71buc]

I remember when I first started as an associate scout for the Reds. The area scout I worked with asked me if I knew what a MLB hitter actually looked like in high school. I told him I thought so. I did not. He took me to a game in White Salmon which is a small town Washington to see such a creature. There were more scouts and GMs in the stands than fans. The player he brought me to see was so far off the charts it was ridiculous. At the plate his talent made it appear as if he were an adult playing with children. He was drafted later that year and never got higher than AA due to serious and chronic injuries. However, I never forgot how impressive he was compared to his peers. The only other HS school players I saw like that were Travis Snyder and Tim Lincecum.

When I first saw Puig in spring training this year it was honestly the same sensation. You could not see his ability without knowing that you were seeing something special.
Like I said in post #1 of this thread Puig is the most impressive raw talent I have ever seen. Despite this I am still shocked at his current numbers. If you combine all of his stats from this season between the Cactus League, Chattanooga, and the MLB he is hitting .390 with 12 homers after 236 at bats. Ironically he struggled in AA by only hitting .313. I am sure he will struggle in the near future once the pitchers figure him out but I think his performance brings to rest any talk of his needing seasoning. I think that if he stays healthy and continues to mature mentally and physically we could be seeing a once in a generation talent. This is not a fluke or an over hyped player, this young man is something very, very special. We should all sit back and enjoy the ride.

White Salmon?! I may know who you're talking about... might it be Brandon Verley? Try to make it to as many Cascade ballgames as I can and remember his (2003?) Columbia High team.

Puig seems to be making a big splash in LA, much like Trout last season. Probably single-handedly will save Mattingly's job.

Hope everything is going well Mike.

[71buc]

Originally Posted by pariah1107

White Salmon?! I may know who you're talking about... might it be Brandon Verley? Try to make it to as many Cascade ballgames as I can and remember his (2003?) Columbia High team.

Puig seems to be making a big splash in LA, much like Trout last season. Probably single-handedly will save Mattingly's job.

Hope everything is going well Mike.

Hi Ty,
It's a very small world isn't it? Yes it was Brandon Verley. He was a sight to behold in the box. He was destined for first base as he was not much of an outfielder, but my God he was an absolute savant at the plate. At that time he was actually more impressive than Travis Snider. It's a really a shame he did not get to enjoy his talents at the highest level. The last time I saw him play he was walked intentionally three times despite his team being behind by seven runs. In his last at bat every scout in the stands looked into the opposing dugout at the coach. He then nodded to the pitcher. The pitcher challenged him with a fastball that was hit into the trees about 450 feet away. I have never seen a ball hit that hard. It left the park much like a golf ball stuck by a driver. The area scout I worked with looked at me and said, "That is a major league hitter. He knew that representatives from 20 MLB teams were in the stands. He was given only one pitch to earn his money and performed when it mattered most". I scouted for the Reds for a couple of more years before moving onto the Indians for a season and then the Nationals. It was a lot of fun for about five years and then life got in the way and I had to give it up.

Thanks for asking, I am doing well. Ironically, my friend who I donated my kidney to last month was the scout that took me to see Brandon Verley. He is doing fantastic. Recovery has been hell for me but when I see how well my friend is doing it is worth the pain and drama. There are few times in life when you afforded the chance to make an impact on someone's life in a positive life changing manner. I was blessed with that opportunity and remain grateful for it.

Mike

[71buc]

I promise I will quit talking about Blitzpuig after this post no matter how difficult it may be. I just hope that both pre and post war guys understand how special this guy is. He throws out runners at first and third from right field, goes from first to third on ground balls to short, stretches singles up the middle into doubles, and drops bombs for good measure. He reminds me why I love this game so desperately.

http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/ar..._team/13935652

[howard38]

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[71buc]

Originally Posted by howard38

What do you think of Joc Pederson, Mike?

He too is very talented and signed for much less than Puig. He is another 5 tool player and is younger than Puig. The Dodgers struck gold with him as an 11th round pick. I didn't get to see him play in Spring Training but I am looking forward to seeing him play in the Futures Game. Although he has power his speed may place him at the top of the Dodger order. Many in he Dodger organization believed him to be more of a prospect than Puig. I'm sure they would not admit that now. However, the Dodgers are going o have a ridiculous outfield in the next couple years Kemp, Puig, and Pederson...Wow

[Ease]

Originally Posted by 71buc

the Dodgers are going o have a ridiculous outfield in the next couple years Kemp, Puig, and Pederson...Wow

That will be something special right there with those three, if it comes to pass.

[howard38]

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