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Michael Paez Showing Power With Fireflies

By John Sheridan

May 17, 2017 4 Comments

One thing about drafting players is you just never know how their tools will translate to the majors. A player with a big arm may never develop secondary pitches or control, and they fizzle out. A player who hits for power may not have enough to succeed in professional baseball.

That’s where Michael Paez seemed headed. After a terrific collegiate career, capped off with a College World Series title, the Mets drafted the 5’8″ Paez. He was drafted in part due to the power he showed in college. It was unusual power for a player of his stature. It’s rare to see a player of his size hit for power in the majors, but still Paez showed promise.

Last year, it looked like nothing more than promise fueled by aluminum bats. In 46 games for Brooklyn, Paez hit just .190/.270/.285 with 11 doubles, two homers, and 11 RBI.

Well, this is a new year, and Paez is a new player. In just 34 games, he has already surpassed the power numbers he has hit last year. On the season, Paez is hitting .294/.383/.538 with 12 doubles, a triple, five homers, and 23 RBI. Those numbers are more impressive when you consider how Spirit Communications Park, and the South Atlantic League in general, suppress power numbers.

His .538 slugging is seventh in the league and his 12 doubles ranks fourth.

Based upon the first 34 games this year, Paez is fulfilling his power promise. If he really has learned how to translate his collegiate power to professional baseball, the Mets just might have a future major league second baseman in Paez.

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