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Wilmer Flores Could See Action At Shortstop During Spring Training

By Fan Shot

January 31, 2014 No comments

Mets top-hitting prospect Wilmer Flores could get a look at shortstop says Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

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 Mets GM Sandy Alderson tells DiComo that he remains a possibility despite not playing the position since 2011 at the age of 19.

“I don’t think we’d rule it out,” Alderson said in a telephone interview. “Why should we? I think we have to see how Spring Training plays out for him — is there going to be a spot for him in the lineup? Is there not? Is he going to be a bench player for us? Is he going to go to Las Vegas?” (DiComo)

Flores has been participating in a nutrition and agility winter program in Michigan, and the team is hoping the Venezuela-native will make significant strides in his development.

Ruben Tejada has been widely assumed to be the starting shortstop, however many in and out of the organization do not see him as an attractive option as his commitment and focus came into question over the past year.

Flores told MMO back in September that his primary goal this winter was to improve his speed.

Thoughts from David C.

I understand that Tejada may be the obvious choice because he is familiar with playing shortstop and the Mets are not sure if Flores can even handle the position, but it would be a great move to make with just having him work out at short again.  Allow Flores to get comfortable and see if he can handle it and if he shows promise, then I wouldn’t have an issue with him starting in Las Vegas just to fine tune his moves in and around the bag.  The idea just makes more sense, because Flores has a much better stick then Tejada and it will get him in the lineup.  This possible move just speaks volumes for how much the Mets just need to do what they can to keep Flores on the big club, because a move to Vegas for most of the season, should not even be an option on the table.

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