EXPECTATIONS FOR 18: Gavin Cecchini

[Edgy MD]

A Mets first-rounder, I established myself early in my career as a no-doubt fielder who still had questions about his bat. As I climbed, I began to establish myself as a hitter ... and then my fielding stock cratered.

What's a guy to do, the upper minors are thick with infielders, with Smith and Rosario passing us all, Reyes re-signing, Cabrera getting re-optioned, and the team going out to get a Frazier? How does a guy break through? A guy like, I don't know, ME?

Me, Evans, T.J. ... we all just need that one-big break. Yeah, Reynolds is gone, but Guillorme is coming up on us fast, and he can get stuffed. I NEED A BREAK!

What might that the chances of that break look like in 2018? And what might I do with it?

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Don't think I'm a big leaguer? Well, I'm not intimidated by anybody.

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[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

I guessed really wrong about him; I thought he would get much better and much more opportunity than he ever did.

I think there's still a possibility he gets some time as a injury replacement to Cabrera. Reports say he "bulked up" over the offseason, suggesting he realizes the desperation of his situation.

38 games, 100 AB, 250/300/390, 2 dingers.

Vegas all-star

[Edgy MD]

I like his swing. He keeps his hands in close like Wright, for opposite field goodness, but still gets around with authority (see him against Kershaw above, or that big double in the Phillies comeback game).

But the opportunities will be slim: 33 games, good for .284 / .317 / .379 // .696, with 3 homers and 9 RBI.

Jeff Keppinger, 2004

[smg58]

Much like Dilson Herrera two years ago, he tanked in his second season in Vegas -- not a good recipe for getting a permanent call-up. And much like Herrera two years ago, he'll get dealt at the deadline to fill a need before his value evaporates completely.

[Guest d'Kong76]

Throw-in in a late June exchange of a few bodies.

[Centerfield]

Starting second baseman for the post season. 15 hrs for the season. Plays good defense.

In September while we are putting the Nationals in the rear view mirror, everyone will say at least once, wow where would we be without Gavin cechhini.

[Edgy MD]

That's putting your money on the table. He's got to climb over Flores, Reyes, and Cabrera to get there, but stranger things happen.

[Centerfield]

Yeah, there are a lot of stones to step over. But one of those stones has been held together with duct tape the last few seasons (Cabrera). Another stone is in decline (Reyes) and the last stone (Flores) can't play defense and has a knack of getting hurt right when a spot opens up.

I'm predicting Gavin starts in LV. Cabrera and Flores get hurt around the same time, then the Mets give Gavin a shot because he has hit a bajillion HR's in his first few weeks at LV. Never looks back. Also, he becomes shaving cream in the face guy.