Part 3 of the series analyzes the prospects for the New York Mets
Amed Rosario is 24 years old and entrenched at shortstop. Ronny Mauricio is considered the top prospect of the Mets, even though he is only 19 years old.
Then there is Andres Gimenez, 21, who was ticketed to Triple-A Syracuse before the COVID-19 pandemic closed spring training in March.
It is difficult to know where Gimenez will fit in the future, but an expanded list in an abbreviated season can open a place in the majors for him as a potential reserve for Rosario in brief and even Robinson Cano on second base.
That will be fine with Gimenez, who enjoys time in the main league camp during the spring – especially learning from Cano.
“Playing with him is something I dream of,” Gimenez said this spring. “Robinson Cano is the man I always watch on TV. He is a role model. He always has the right advice for young people who want to learn about games. “
Gimenez said Cano had helped him improve double play.
“I feel really good in defense, and I know getting better in doubles is one more step,” Gimenez said. “He plays with so many great players that he knows what I have to do to get better.”
Andres GimenezAnthony J. Causi
The same applies to Rosario, who said that he tried to give Gimenez the same help that Cano and Jose Reyes gave when he was a child.
“He is an extraordinary talent,” Rosario said through a translator. “He has extraordinary skills. The energy it brings to the team is different. It’s not easy to do every day, but he does it. I was once in a situation where I was promoted, so I just tried to give him all the knowledge I had learned over the years. “
“I will do whatever I can for them, as others have done for me when I come,” Rosario said. “It doesn’t matter if we play the same position, I want them to be as good as they are. They are very young and very talented. It’s a difficult season, and I think there is much I can give them. ‘
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Gimenez, a left-handed winger from Venezuela, needs to reduce his attack, but what stands out most for Luis Rojas, who manages Gimenez at Double-A Binghamton in 2018 and can return this season at some point in Queens, is his strength. .
“Gimenez has a lot of energy,” Rojas said. “It looks like he’s everywhere in a nutshell. He’s getting more comfortable around the bag. And you can see from years ago, he moved his muscles a little and was able to last longer in the field. ‘
The violation needs to be done, but Rojas believes it will happen.
“He’s a very smart kid,” said the manager. “His baseball IQ is high and if he matches it [strength], then we see someone who can be very special. “
And even though he had the chance, he tried to use his time around Cano, Rosario and other major league players.
“I feel stronger with my body and mind than last year,” said Gimenez. “I am pleased to have this opportunity and want to show that I can play at this level.”
