EXPECTATIONS FOR 18: Zach Borenstein

[Edgy MD]

At the end of last season, I was battering PCL pitching in the Diamondbacks' system while Travis Taijeron was doing the same for the Mets. But seasons end, and with them, so too ends the tenures of veteran minor league outfielders. Disconcerting, but it's for the best. Travis went on to join the AAA Dodgers, and I came around to the Mets. If the universe is balanced, I'm sure the Diamondbacks signed a Dodgers minor league free agent outfielder.

So, what do I have that Taijeron doesn't have? Well, I strike out less, but that's true of just about everybody. I don't reach base quite as much, but I get the job done, and while I haven't always out-slugged the big galoot, I did last year.

And I field better. I don't even need to check the stats on that one. I've seen Tiajeron and I know it's true. And so do you.

Approaching 27 I am and I haven't seen a day in the bigs, but you know, when a team has only four outfielders on the big league roster, and I'm the fifth outfielder, well ... things could be worse. I just need to get climb over one more speedbump to get the majors. At least, I have to do it before that big, stupid Tim Tebow gets there first. OOOOH, how I hate him!

[fimg=350:rjcv3ex2]http://metsmerizedonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/WorldBaseballClassicPoolEGame6IsraelfHo3h_7JoW2l.jpg[/fimg:rjcv3ex2] [fimg=350:rjcv3ex2]http://metsminors.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/zachborenstein.jpg[/fimg:rjcv3ex2]
[fimg=380:rjcv3ex2]https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dNjuGLGDmtw/maxresdefault.jpg[/fimg:rjcv3ex2] [fimg=320:rjcv3ex2]http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Zach+Borenstein+World+Baseball+Classic+Pool+w5t5shFI089l.jpg[/fimg:rjcv3ex2]

Don't be jealous just because I'm one handsome ginger. Tell me honestly ... what's my 2018 going to be like? Because I can practically taste the bigs. I heard Seth Lugo used to play there, and well, let me tell you something about Seth Lugo.

[youtube:rjcv3ex2]zOfCJ1j8HZY[/youtube:rjcv3ex2]

[nymr83]

well, based on the one swing i've ever seen him take he is going to displace Lagares before April 1st

[Lefty Specialist]

Putting on quite the gun show for that sideline reporter. And I have houseplants that can field better than Travis Taijeron.

Guess he'll get a cuppa since he's probably #7 on the outfield depth chart.

[Chad ochoseis]

And I field better. I don't even need to check the stats on that one. I've seen Tiajeron and I know it's true. And so do you.

Not so fast, there, young Zach.

[Edgy MD]

[fimg=500:2rx4qc1c]https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dNjuGLGDmtw/maxresdefault.jpg[/fimg:2rx4qc1c]

Biggest guns in Mets camp since Andres Gallarraga 2005?

[MFS62]

Chad Ochoseis wrote: And I field better. I don't even need to check the stats on that one. I've seen Tiajeron and I know it's true. And so do you. Not so fast, there, young Zach.

How bad was it?
Do we have to hide our eyes every time a ball is hit in his direction, or was it one of the usual Spring Training "high skies" incidents?
(or do we want to know?)
Later

[Chad ochoseis]

I was listening, not watching. But it sounded like he misjudged one ball (probably just a spring baseball thing) and let another one bounce out of his glove. I was mainly trying to be a smartass; I really don't know that he's a defensive step down from Taijeron. But I strongly suspect we're comparing ice slicks and banana peels.

[MFS62]

Thanks. Edgy has mentioned his fielding before, so I guess this wasn't a rare occurrence.
If he can hit, as long as he can keep it from going from bad through terrible to grotesque, we'll be happy.
The old expression "he drives in more than he lets in" comes to mind.

Later

[Edgy MD]

On the one he dropped, he was fighting the sun all the way, lunged late, and seemingly made and off-balance basket catch. It looked to be in his pocket, but as he fell, it popped out.

Those massive oak branches he calls arms sure aren't meant for cradling baby birds.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

He's... um... pretty big.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Leads Las Vegas in home runs. Comes up in September and hits 2.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

I'm of a similar mind. But I do think they'll be OMG-long ones.

[bmfc1]

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Leads Las Vegas in home runs. Comes up in September and hits 2.

One of them scores Tebow who reached on a "swinging bunt".

[Guest d'Kong76]

bmfc1 wrote: One of them scores Tebow who reached on a "swinging bunt".

Hopefully things are not so dire that we need Showbow in September.

Generally agree with everyone he'll be up in September with some kaboom. Won't
be surprised if injuries ups that timetable.

[Edgy MD]

He may be one turned ankle away from the opening day roster. Our outfield depth is grave stuff!

[G-Fafif]

The Las Vegas 51s' lone All-Star.