The St. Lucie Mets opened their 2014 season on Thursday night, with a 6-5 victory over the Palm Beach Cardinals at Tradition Field and easily the man of the hour was T.J. Rivera.
The Bronx native, who started at first base, broke a 2-2 tie in the fifth inning when he launched a grand slam that put the Mets ahead for good. Rivera finished the game 3 for 4, with two runs scored, a single, double, home run, and five RBI’s, and would fall a triple shy of the cycle.
The 2013 Florida State League Hits winner has started the season out very strong and even though this is only game one, it has to feel good to get off the pine and do well. Looking for big things from Rivera as he looks to get back on track towards the majors.
(Photo by MetsMinors.net)
What does it take for TJ move up in this system. He proved himself at every level so far, plays every position in the infield and led all of Single A in hits last season. He clearly shows he has the tools to be successful not to mention everyone talks about how great his work ethic is.
I completely agree T.J. Rivera is a great player. What else do they want from the guy? With his stats he should be in triple A by now, not repeating A ball after leading the league with hits. It sucks to see players with talent be overlooked just because of the people who were drafted getting more Opportunities. Once a guy is drafted it should be strictly talent. But clearly with some of the guys that get moved up over others it is not the case. That goes for all teams we don’t want to see players progressing because of the money invested in them, we want to see them progress because of their talent .
Why is TJ still in A+? He’s had a solid BA every year of his career. Any insight as to why they are not moving him up?
I agree TJ shouldve been in Binghamton this year, but I suspect the reason he isnt moved up is due to him being a UDFA signing and they dont see him having any upside.
For a guy like TJ to move up in any system he would have to have at least 1 plus tool, put up ridiculous numbers and/or be a stellar defender up the middle(2B/SS). And while TJ’s stats have been solid they havent been stellar and enough to put him on the Mets radar. And his defense isnt a plus nor can he handle the SS position.
Its just the way it is in the minors…some guys are utilized as system fillers–Cannon fodder so to speak. Only way out is to destroy the competition not just be avg or solid because organizations assume once a guy like TJ makes it to AA or AAA they will be exposed.