Every so often, a player rises up through an organization and everyone knows they are going to be special.
The Mets themselves experienced it in the early 2000’s.
First it was Jose Reyes who burst on the scene in 2003 as a wide-eyed 20-year-old. Then it was David Wright, the Virginia-born Mets fan who supplanted Ty Wigginton at the hot corner in 2004 and ultimately became the team captain.
Prospects are called up all the time although most never meet their lofty expectations. But once in a great while, there are certain players who deliver on all their great promise and I have a gut feeling that Rosario is just such a player – I believe he can be a game-changer.
The Mets are an organization that has always prided itself on great pitching. From Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, to Dwight Gooden and even the failed Generation K. There has always been an emphasis on arms and when the Mets went to the World Series in 2015, it was their starters who were the foundation of the team.
But offensive products? There have been far too few, so when they do come up, it’s even more exciting. You have Darryl Strawberry, Edgardo Alfonzo and the aforementioned Wright and Reyes as the rare position players that the Mets have struck gold with, and we’re all hoping that Michael Conforto will also join those ranks.
But on Tuesday night, Mets fans will see the first game of what many hope will be another player that can go down as one of those home-grown stars: Amed Rosario.
The 21-year-old has a love for the game, and a love for New York, like no other. There hasn’t been a Mets prospect this vocal about wanting to make an impact at the big league level probably ever. And if I’m wrong, correct me.
The No. 2 prospect in all of baseball will make his much anticipated big league debut against the Rockies in what is set to be the most exciting moment for Mets fans all year.
“I’m grateful to share this moment with all of you, especially Mets fans who have showered me with support,” Rosario said late Monday on his Instagram account. “Things won’t always be perfect, but expect me to give you all of me each and every day. Let’s create long lasting memories at Citi.”
At the time of his call-up, Rosario was hitting .328/.367/.466 with seven home runs and 58 RBI in 94 games for Triple-A Las Vegas this season.
It’s been a rapid rise for Rosario, who just last season was playing in Single-A, but he put his head down, worked hard and will now rock No. 1 in a Mets uniform at baseball’s highest stage.
With Michael Conforto breaking out and appearing in his first All-Star game and Dominic Smith likely to be up in the majors sooner than later, the Mets have an exciting young core of position players for the first time since, well, Wright and Reyes.
A dominant force in the middle infield and leadoff hitter potential, Rosario will fill a void that has been left since Reyes left for free agency in 2011.
It’s funny how things change. Reyes is back and Rosario is taking his position, but the two are close as can be.
“Congratulations to my little brother Amed Rosario welcome to the Big Show. THE FUTURE IS NOW #LGM,” Reyes said on Twitter Monday night.
The two reportedly talk on the phone every day. Hopefully Reyes can work as a mentor for Rosario on the field and help him work through the kinks that young players can run into in the majors.
In a lost season, Tuesday will be an exciting game for the Mets. I have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it.
We aren’t surprised, but we are definitely ready, and so are you. Good luck Amed, we’re all rooting for you.
