This year saw the continued decline of once promising young talents such as Ike Davis and Ruben Tejada, allowing for a slew of fresh prospects to enter the mix at the major-league level. Terry Collins best described it at the time as “we got to see the pieces that will soon make this team competitive as well as fun come 2014.”
One of those pieces who were headlining that crop was Wilmer Flores, who since 2007 at the tender age of 16 has diligently worked his way through the Amazin’s system, finally arriving in Flushing last August.
His rookie campaign had it’s ups and also its downs after suffering a severe ankle injury, however while speaking with Flores, the Venezuelan-native told MMO that he was content with his year as a whole because he knows he tried his hardest, however hopes to work this offseason towards improving in 2014.
“I had my tempo going and then I got hurt,” said Flores of his ankle injury.
Flores headed to Venezuela as soon as his ankle was 100 percent to get some much needed playing time, and if you thought he’d show up rusty, perish the thought.
Over his last ten games, Flores is hitting .450 with three home runs and 13 RBI in 40 at-bats and overall, he is hitting .397 with 17 RBI in 19 games in the VWL.
Flores has a lot of pride and an ambition and work ethic you long for in a ballplayer.
“I was feel really satisfied with myself last season, because I know I did my best,” said Flores. “I know I could have done better, but things happen. You just got to keep working and get ready for next season.”
With Daniel Murphy still here and expected to be back at second base next season, it’s tough to see where the young RBI machine fits in.
“I am just going to play anywhere they want me to,” said Flores when asked if he is open to playing first base.
In his effort to just keep working, Flores has made a point to improving his selectivity and discipline at the plate.
“I just need to work on getting a good pitch to hit,” said Flores. “And try not to swing on too many pitches out of the strike zone.
Other than that, Flores says his primary goal this winter is to improve his speed. “Try to get quicker,” he said. “That’s what I’m trying to do.”
Last week, Terry Collins praised Flores who has lost some weight and is showing that improved quickness he spoke about.
It’s still not clear what the Mets plan to do with Flores, who has nothing left to prove in the minors.
However, Flores isn’t worried about it. He’s going to keep raking and driving in runs and let the chips fall where they may. He told us that he’s just looking to earn himself a significant role on the roster come Spring Training.