Wow. What an amazing way to end ones big league debut. It was a perfect throw, too, especially considering his momentum was carrying him to the right field corner.
Oh, and Puig went 2-for-4 with a two singles as the Dodgers' leadoff hitter. He flared one into left-center field in his first at-bat, grounded out in his second, singled off the first baseman's glove in his third and hit into a fielder's choice in his fourth.
He showed plus speed (going from first-to-third on a hit that maybe Carl Crawford could do if healthy) and plus arm strength in his debut. He was out in front of nearly everything tonight, indicating he was pretty amped up. He'll tone it down as he plays more.
Puig is going to have to try really hard to not remain in Los Angeles when the Crawford and Matt Kemp get healthy. If I'm Andre Ethier, I'm pretty uncomfortable right now.
GIF credit: Courtesy of Mike Petriello
If im ethier I'm swimming in cash
ReplyDelete...on the bench though
DeleteThe moment Puig was brought up, I knew Ethier's time as a Dodger regular would pretty much come to an end. I see two choices for him at this point: 1.)Play better so as to boost his trade value in the meantime, perhaps try to flip him for Rangers' 3B prospect Mike Olt if he does...or 2.)Become the Dodgers' 4th OF and primary left-handed power bat off the bench. Sure he'd be the most expensive bench player in baseball, but at least limited playing time should help him to physically recover from whatever's been ailing him (keep hearing it's those hand blisters that have forced him to change up his batting approach dating back to last season).
ReplyDeleteEither way, it's Puig's time now. Let him shine, Dodgers!