Showing posts with label MiLB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MiLB. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Klapisch: Wally Backman's Mets managerial audition begins with Ike Davis | NorthJersey.com

Bob Klapisch is starting a fire where one isn't needed:
"Now Davis is Wally Backman’s problem, although it’s worth asking the question that could lead to a more intriguing dialogue: What happens if Backman and his old-school, man’s-man approach actually fixes Davis? Then what?

Such a reclamation project would be more of a reflection of Backman’s interpersonal skills than Davis’ ability to hit for a respectable average. At least we know Davis has talent – we’ve seen it in the past, albeit not consistently since the second half of last season. But Backman is the wild card here, especially because he’s been languishing in the Mets’ farm system for four summers hoping to prove to someone, anyone, that he’s long since outrun his darker demons.

That’s why Backman relishes the chance to work on Davis’ swing, confidence and career, although not necessarily in that order.
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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The dream of a South African baseball player.

New York Mets prospect Jenrry Mejia made his second rehab start for the Hi-A St. Lucie Mets yesterday. In looking at the box score, I noticed the name of the leadoff hitter of the opponent, Gift Ngoepe. Even with the international popularity of baseball, that is still quite an unusual name for a minor league baseball player. So I Googled him and came away with a very interesting story about this switch-hitting South African shortstop.

Hopefully Ngoepe's dream will come true someday. Unfortunately his four strikeouts in yesterday's game won't help that dream.