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Red Sox’s Marcelo Mayer embracing opportunity, and his mindset says it all
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- Red Sox’s Marcelo Mayer embracing opportunity, and his mindset says it all
Red Sox's Marcelo Mayer embracing opportunity, and his mindset says it all appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
While it is difficult to crack the crowded Boston Red Sox outfield, the team's infield has been considered a land of opportunity over the last couple of years. The expectation was that a top-five draft pick like Marcelo Mayer would secure an everyday role for himself somewhere around the diamond. He did not arrive on the scene like fans had hoped, but the organization has not extended him the patience one would have expected.
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The unthinkable happened during spring training: manager Alex Cora would not guarantee Mayer a place on the MLB roster. Despite laboring through more offensive struggles, Mayer snagged a spot on the club. He still has a long way to go before earning the organization's full trust. The 23-year-old is platooning at second base with Isiah Kiner-Falefa , denied a regular slot in the lineup until the Sox feel he can hold his own against left-handed pitching.
Mayer's growing pains and injury history cannot simply be ignored, but given his potential and big-league inexperience, one could see how Boston's apparent skepticism would frustrate him. He did not enter the clubhouse with a big head, however, nor is he wasting time sulking at his locker. Mayer is just focused on maximizing the chances he does get .
"I'm excited," the Chula Vista, California native told NESN before making his first start of the season. "Another great day to play baseball, just gonna go out there and play hard." He certainly lived by those words on Opening Day.
Marcelo Mayer flourished after coming in as a pinch-hitter, going 2-for-2 with two runs scored in a 3-0 win versus the Cincinnati Reds . He is aware of his current status on the club and knows that the only way to earn more responsibilities is by seizing the moment. Other lauded prospects have been given more grace, but obviously this young talent does not have such a luxury. He has to stay mentally prepared every time Cora calls his name.
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A productive outing could lead to a productive stretch, and before fans know it, Mayer could force Boston to insert him into the lineup against lefties. He has just 129 MLB at-bats under his belt. This adversity-tested player can still develop into a core member of the franchise. He has no problem proving himself to the Red Sox and their fans.
Another golden opportunity awaits in Great American Ball Park.
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