Where Andres Gimenez fits into Mets’ shortstop uneasiness

Of course Andres Gimenez tuned in from his Binghamton apartment to watch Pete Alonso win the Home Run Derby.

“Knew he was going to win it,” the Mets’ top prospect said over the phone Friday through interpreter Ender Chavez who doubles as the Double-A Rumble Ponies bench coach.

With conviction in the air, The Post asked whether the shortstop thought he would have a better view of the Alonso show next season from Citi Field.

The 20-year-old Venezuelan declined to answer, though the Mets eventually might have to. It is no secret the club is considering moving current shortstop, Amed Rosario, to center field. The 23-year-old Rosario — formerly the Mets’ top prospect — appeared to be solid defensively at shortstop in the minors, but has had his problems in the field this season. That combined with a lack of depth in center has fueled talk of a position switch.

“Defensively he is real good,” a scout said of Gimenez. “He has got quick feet, soft hands and a strong and accurate throwing arm.”

His offense is another story. Through 75 games in his first full season at Binghamton, the lefty-hitting Gimenez is slashing .241/.307/.357 along with four home runs, 22 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. The baby-faced, 5-foot-11, 161-pounder missed a little more than a week in early June after being hit in the wrist with a 90 mph fastball, but refuses to blame that mishap for his struggles.

“He needs to improve his strike-zone management,” manager Kevin Boles said. “Sometimes he gets a little pull happy. When he’s right, he uses a gap approach, but I believe there’s strength in there. He’s a guy that can play the short game. He’s a hit-and-run candidate. And I think the offense is coming around the corner.”

Boles sees a lot of Gimenez, on the field and off of it. Gimenez and catcher Ali Sanchez — who triples as a roommate, teammate and lifelong friend — live right across the street from Boles, who has seen what it takes to get to the big leagues in his 18 years as a manager in the minor leagues. Miguel Cabrera, Anthony Rizzo and most of the current Red Sox stars played under him.

“He fits that mold,” Boles said. “Future big leaguer.”

Gimenez has been to Citi Field twice, but the scout said he isn’t ready to return just yet.

“In fairness to the kid, he’s 20 and you just need to leave him [in the minors] and not rush this kid,” the scout said. “Leave him there this year.”
And then maybe some time next season, Gimenez will get his chance to see Alonso up close.

— Additional reporting by Mike Puma

Credit: Source link

The post Where Andres Gimenez fits into Mets’ shortstop uneasiness appeared first on Fox USA Live.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2JUBNYX