Collin Cowgill is MMO’s 2013 Top Spring Performer
Spring training is a time for veterans to get their work in as they prepare for the 162 game grind they are about to embark on. While the veterans are gearing up, there are usually a few roster spots that are up for grabs. These spots are usually a battle between some aging veterans looking to catch on as a reserve, or a young upstart looking to get his first taste of the majors. This spring, the Mets came into camp with seemingly more questions about their roster then they have had in the previous five seasons combined.
What we saw, was a group of young players come in with fire in their belly. They were hungry for a spot on the Mets roster, and with all the openings, there was plenty of spots to be had. Some players surprised, some disappointed, and then some just blew our socks off.
Collin Cowgill wowed Mets fans, coaches, and team brass alike from the beginning of spring training. The youngster is gritty, and showed off his skills ending the spring with a .303/.378/.591 slash line in 66 at-bats. He flexed his muscles cranking five homers, drove in ten RBI, while also hitting four doubles and stealing four bases.
“He reminds me of the way Dude played,” Cowgill’s former manager and one-time Met Rico Brogna said, referring to Dykstra, who was nicknamed Nails. “He’s got the run-through-the wall mentality to make a play 24/7. He just does whatever it takes to get the job done. The entire game matters to him, all aspects, from the moment he arrives at the ballpark.”
The 26-year-old started hitting from day one, and continued to show he belonged up until the final day of spring. He is a right-handed bat, which the Mets need; he has some speed, and showed home run and gap power. He may not have all-world skills across the board, but he is a gamer, and he is just the type of player the Mets need.
Cowgill earned the starting center field job by playing better than the rest of his competition. He saw the opportunity and he went after it. Congratulations Collin, and welcome to the New York Mets!
Honorable Mentions
1. Matt Harvey: The power righty dominated to the tune of a 2.96 ERA.
2. Jon Niese: The Opening Day starter continued to build on a strong 2012 campaign.
3. Jordany Valdespin: Spin has plenty of talent, but Collins did not trust him in the outfield defensively.
Tune in every Monday as I will take on the task of announcing MMO’s Player of the Week!
