Mark Vientos continues to be studying what it takes to be an enormous leaguer, however it’s quite a bit simpler to be taught on the fly when Francisco Lindor is subsequent to him within the infield.
With Brett Baty engaged on his recreation within the low-pressure surroundings in Triple-A, the Mets have turned to Vientos at third base. There have been considerations earlier this season that Vientos wouldn’t be capable of play the place long run and he was caught behind Pete Alonso at first base. His future in baseball is essentially predicated on his bat, however the Mets need to be certain that he’s defensively sound at each corners.
Finally, he’s getting an opportunity to play daily at third base. Lindor helps him benefit from the chance.
“He’s really, really helpful,” Vientos instructed the Daily News at Citi Field earlier than the Mets performed the sequence finale in opposition to the Atlanta Braves. “He’s done it for a long time at a high level and I feel like he’s someone I gravitate to and learn from.”
The shortstop has helped him with the whole lot from communication on the sphere to scouting studies on hitters. Lindor has usually been seen earlier than video games serving to Vientos with positioning or footwork.
There have been marked enhancements to Vientos’ protection, even when they aren’t all the time noticeable to the informal fan.
“I’ve noticed that he’s very aware of the pitches that are coming,” Lindor mentioned. “His anticipation of the pitch has been amazing.”
But of all of the enhancements he’s made this season, it’s the psychological a part of the sport that Vientos is probably the most happy with.
“It’s my focus levels,” Vientos mentioned. “I feel like, no matter the situation, no matter if we’re losing, winning or whatever, I’m proud that I stay completely locked in and completely focused until the last pitch. I feel like that’s a skill because this game is so hard that it could take you out with one pitch or one mistake.”
Vientos has made loads of errors this season. He’s made them on the plate and within the discipline. A youthful model of him would get emotional after unhealthy at-bats or defensive miscues. In highschool, Vientos would usually let one unhealthy swing derail a whole at-bat. The transition to skilled baseball helped Vientos perceive that he had to have the ability to get better shortly. The huge leagues drove dwelling that time.
If he have been to pout within the dugout after hanging out or sulk on protection, it could possibly be detrimental to the workforce. The veterans within the clubhouse have taken the time to speak to the 23-year-old about his psychological mindset and his confidence, with Pete Alonso having been a key useful resource for the Mets’ 2017 second-round draft decide.
“The most important thing is confidence,” Lindor mentioned. “I try to give him a little nugget when i can… In my mind, I’m trying to boost his confidence and help him figure it out on his own. I want him to be the best that he can be the worst version of Vientos, whether it’s at third base, first base, wherever else they put him and at DH.”
The Mets have seen his confidence and skill to make more durable defensive performs in current weeks.
“I think Mark has made some plays that some people might think he couldn’t,” mentioned supervisor Buck Showalter. “He’s moving his feet and he’s getting his feet in position to throw better. All of a sudden, everybody thinks his arm has improved. It’s just the speed that has improved. He’s shown that he can finish plays.”
After being up and down from Syracuse to New York and enjoying a number of positions this season, Vientos is relieved to lastly have some consistency. Though he’s proven some enhancements, he has but to wow the Mets this season. The remainder of 2023 is undoubtedly going to problem him, however he’s hoping a stronger psychological method to the sport will assist him overcome these challenges.
“I feel like I’m getting to where I want slowly but surely,” Vientos mentioned. “And I’m happy about that.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Starling Marte (proper groin pressure) is eligible to come back off the injured checklist subsequent week however the Mets will not be planning on activating him on Aug. 16. The membership is planning to have him play in rehab video games first. However, the outlook is essentially constructive for the outfielder.
Marte, who had double-groin surgical procedure final winter, obtained injections and is ready to undergo a energy routine.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com