Now is the time for Yasiel Puig to get his first crack at the big leagues.
The Los Angeles Dodgers need something, anything, to turn around a 2013 season that is slowly getting away from them.
The time is right to bring in the organization’s top prospect. It just might happen too, as the Dodgers are considering making the move, according to CBS Sports’ MLB insider Jon Heyman:
Puig (pronounced Pweeg) is indeed said by sources connected to the Dodgers to be "under consideration'' for a call-up after initial word from manager Don Mattingly initially was interpreted by the media to mean that they were going to pass this time on both their top outfield prospects, Puig and Joc Pederson. And Puig was switched to center field for Thursday in what looks like a clear signal just how seriously the Dodgers are considering his callup.
Puig has been playing phenomenal baseball in the minors, garnering the attention of both local and national media. He received increased attention after exploding on Thursday night while playing center field.
ESPN SiruisXM co-host Jim Bowden pondered whether or not his move to center and remarkable stat-line are an indicator of a pending move (via Twitter):
No call-up has ensued following his 3-for-4, one-RBI, two stolen bases and two-run performance during that Thursday night ballgame.
However, it wouldn’t be shocking to see something happen in the near future.
Bernie Pleskoff, a MLB.com writer and scout, said Puig has a similar physique and abilities to former standout player Bo Jackson.
Specifically, Pleskoff highlighted his aggression at the plate, “good eye-hand coordination” and fast hands which allow him to drive the ball to anywhere on the field.
His physique is what has people buzzing the most and drawing Jackson comparisons.
Puig stands at 6’3” and weighs 245 lbs. Despite his large size, the 22-year-old prospect doesn’t lose any athletic edge. In fact, his physical attributes are off the charts. Stealing bases and covering ground in the outfield won’t be a problem at the next level—at least from a physical standpoint.
Pleskoff, who scouted Puig in the minors, said there are some things he still needs to work on:
Improved plate discipline and pitch recognition are among the components of Puig's offense that need more seasoning… Defensively… He has to continue to work on recognizing the flight of the ball off the bat more quickly. Puig also has to continue to gain accuracy on his throws. His basic skills project Puig to be an average outfielder.
Whatever ends up happening in the near future, Puig looks to have the measurables and ability to develop into a major star. The Dodgers shouldn’t rush things to help fix an immediate need, but there is no denying the predicament they are currently in.
It’s also hard to imagine the youngster not having a positive effect for the limping Dodgers. Matt Kemp is on the 15-day disabled list and the team desperately needs someone to fill the void until he gets back.
This is, without a doubt, the best time to test Puig’s progress and give him a sizeable amount of major league action. Los Angeles is fading; they have to do something to help energize their dugout in order to avoid falling further behind the talented NL West.
Puig's plate aggression and base-running ability could help lead a late-first-half resurgence that would propel the Dodgers back into contention before the All-Star break. There is plenty of time to get things back on track. Making this move at this point in time is the best option for Don Mattingly.
It’s a win-win; a move the Dodgers have to pull the trigger on.
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