Terry Collins said Wilmer Flores earned a big compliment while the Mets manager was talking to someone who had watched Flores play winter ball for several years. According to Mike Vorkunov of the Star-Ledger, Collins was told Flores was reminiscent of former Mets’ second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo.

“The bat potential is off the charts. Everybody talks about what a big RBI guy he is, what he’s going to be. Somebody told me yesterday they’ve watched him in winter ball for a few years and he reminds them of Fonzie. That is a big statement. And if that’s what Wilmer Flores is going to be, obviously you have to find a position for him to play.”

I previously wrote about what two scouts had to say about Flores when they saw him at Winter Ball this offseason. They each remarked about his improved athleticism and look. Today,Collins alluded to that as well.

“First of all, I tip my hat to him. He’s got a whole different body right now than he did at the end of the season,” Collins said about Flores, who took grounders at both middle-infield positions during Sunday’s workout. “He went to the fitness and nutrition camp in Michigan. He looks tremendous. He came in lighter. He came in more athletic.”

“I’m going to let him play some shortstop, but I want to see him at second. I want to see him at third.”

The problem for Flores is that the Mets failed to open up a position for him this offseason as many had hoped, and all his hard work and development may have him going straight back to the minors to begin the season.

As much as I’d like to see him make the team, I don’t see that happening and I don’t believe there’s any chance he sticks as a bench option – not that he should at his age.

Only an Ike Davis trade would open things up for the 22-year old infielder. Maybe.

(Photo by US Presswire)