EXPECTATIONS FOR 18: Patrick Mazeika

[Edgy MD]

You know what history loves more than catchers who can hit? Catchers who can hit lefty. That's me. I'm Patrick Mazeika.

That's right — Bill Dickey, Darrell Porter, Mackey Sasser, and me.

I've been biding my time in the mid-minors: Kingsport, Columbia, St. Lucie, and Binghamton. Damned if I haven't hit everywhere I've gone, even if I've only played six games above high A. I get on base, too. I meann come on! I've hit .311 / .413 / .445 // .858 in a thousand minor league plate appearance. HOW is that not a prospect?

Maybe 2018 will learn you a thing or two about me. Tell me what my 2018 will look like, and if one of you mentions Josh Thole, asses will be kicked.

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[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

I saw him at Spring Training and he reminded me of a tall Josh Thole (ducks). Looks like he could use seasoning still. If he keeps hitting, I'll consider him.

[Frayed Knot]

I learned today that there's a NYM minor leaguer named Patrick Mazeika

Looking at his BB-Ref page, he's listed as a Catcher/1st Baseman. Now he has played a lot more catcher than 1B (76 games to 12 this past season) but when I see that in a young player my first thought
is that it's a sign he's not a great defensive catcher.
And then there's the whole turning 25 later this year part. Not too late, but also not so young for a non-roster invite who's barely peaked his head above A-ball so far.
An 8th round pick in 2015, he's a Stetson Hatter although he came there via his birthplace in Massachusetts so he's not a local and was five class years behind deGrom so no overlap there either.

Probably will get a chance to see how many ponies he can rumble this year.

[Edgy MD]

He's got the arm, but he's big for a catcher, and doesn't get around well. He's not playing himself out of the position (not yet anyhow), but is getting reps at first because it keeps his bat in the lineup.

But it's also to prep him for a future in which he might well play himself out of the position. At 6'3" and weighing in the 220s, he'll have his work cut out for him to stay there.

But he's hit at every level he's been at, and if that continues to translate as he climbs, and he finds even a little more power, he's a keeper. His walk tool is awesome.

I'm not worried about his age as much as his position. Catchers debut late. College guys debut late. Stetson guys debut late. Just keep coming.

[batmagadanleadoff]

Choo Choo Coleman and Ron Hodges batted lefty, too.

[Edgy MD]

And that minor advantage helped Ron to a 12-year career.

[batmagadanleadoff]

J.C. Martin, too.

[smg58]

Earns a late promotion to Vegas. Will get his chance, but not this season.

[Edgy MD]

Nothing Metly in 2018, but will see meaningful time in Las Vegas and will crush it there.

[Guest d'Kong76]

Perhaps I'll learn to spell his name and pronounce it next spring.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

The on-basing is something to see... although the ioslated power is a little less than you'd like out of a 220-lb. dude entering his ostensible prime.

Ah-ee-ya... see you in the latter stages of this season.