Former Met Jeremy Hefner made his third appearance for the Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican Winter League going three innings allowing two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out three. Prior to last night he had pitched 5.2 scoreless innings including one relief appearance and one start.
Juan Lagares got the night off for the Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican League, he is 5 for 12 in his last three games but is still hitting just .229/.308/.229 overall.
Mexican League
Aguilas de Mexicali
Xorge Carrillo – 2 for 4, strikeout (.262/.328/.361 in 122 at bats).
Puerto Rican League
Criollos de Caguas
Arnaldo Berrios – 0 for 1, strikeout, stolen base (5 for 21, six walks, three stolen bases).
Johnny Monell – 0 for 3, strikeout (.309/.411/.469 with two homeruns, four stolen bases in 81 at bats).
Indios de Mayaguez
T.J. Rivera – 2 for 3, RBI, walk (.362/.434/.468 with homerun, six RBI in 47 at bats).
Yesterday it was announced Dilson Herrera will be part of Colombian Winter League All-Star festivities which you can read about here.
IMO, we already have a Zobrist and his name is Rivera.
I think he definitely could have gotten a shot last year but he doesn’t have the power or athleticism that Zobrist has.
TJ Rivera can hit, plays good defense at multiple positions, gets on base, puts the ball in play, and throws real well. Yes, He will never be a power hitter but he should hit above 280 and steal a few bases. So, what’s not to like? The Mets really need TJ as Matt Reynolds has not hit in AAA, and Cecchini still needs more seasoning as does McNeil. Put Rivera on the 2016 staff as a backup player, and see if TJ can handle right and left field because if he can that makes him better than Zobrist without the power. It works for me and it should for the Mets as well/
Biggest issues with Rivera are his lack of arm strength that limits him to 2B/3B where he doesn’t have great range. Doesn’t walk alot or have great power either which can be an issue with jump from AAA to Majors.