March 20th, 2013 at 7:28 am 
by Ron Cervenka It seems that the harder that some folks try to find fault in Yasiel Puig’s youth and “rawness,” the more he continues to prove them wrong – almost daily
In Tuesday’s game against the Oakland A’s, it was “The Yasiel Puig Show – Part Three” (or was it four or five?), yet in spite of the unbelievable things that this 22-year-old phenom is accomplishing, Ned Colletti and Don Mattingly continue to dismiss Puig’s incredible success this spring as an aberration.
“We’ve all seen it. Opening Day (arrives), and everything’s different,” said Colletti of Puig after yet another incredible 4 for 4 performance against the AL West defending champs. “It’s faster. It’s real. It’s the big leagues. You can’t replicate that here.”
Mattingly also seems to keep a blind eye towards Puig.
“At this point he’s creating expectations he can’t live up to. Nobody can,” Mattingly said.
Call me naïve, but it seems to me that Puig has not only lived up to every expectation, but exceeds them on a daily bases.
Although Puig was thrown out trying to stretch this single into a double…
…he had no trouble making this triple a triple.
In contrast to Colletti and Mattingly, I have believed in this kid’s capabilities from the moment the Dodgers signed him and it hasn’t waned even slightly. And to those who, for whatever their reasons, continue to say that nobody is that good, I say yes, there are some who actual are that good (albeit very few) – guys like Ken Griffey Jr., Mike Trout and Bryce Harper. Deny it if you choose but Yasiel Puig is that good.
No one will dispute that Puig still has a lot to learn about the game, especially with his base running and reading the ball a little better when deciding to take an extra base, but these are things that can be worked on at the MLB level and certainly are not reasons to keep him from playing at baseball’s highest level. I seem to recall another young Dodger with similar issues, a kid named Matthew Ryan Kemp.
Puig will also have to curtail his now infamous bat flip somewhat as well, even though this is something he has done it throughout his entire baseball career in Cuba. I imagine that at some point a pitcher(s) may take offense to it, which may get him or one of his teammates plunked. But here again, is this something that he can’t be taught on the major league level? I actually believe that it is one of those things that can only be learned at the major league level.
Puig may have established a new MLB record for longest bat flip after his monster Cuban Missile Shot on Tuesday. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)
Colletti and Mattingly may not believe in you, Yasiel, but I most certain do. Keep proving them wrong, kid. One of these days they’ll get it.
* * * * * * * *
Kudos to Chris Capuano, who pitched brilliantly on Tuesday. In 5.2 innings, Cap allowed only one run (on a home run by Puig’s countryman Yoenis Céspedes), 5 hits, with one walk and 4 strikeouts. It was by far Capuano’s best outing of the spring and increased his chances significantly to become the Dodgers’ spot starter and/or long reliever.
Capuano was outstanding in his 5.2 innings of work on Tuesday against the A’s.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)
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The later ST goes on and Yasiel keeps producing, the greater the possibility he is ready. The fly in the ointment is Crawford. Don’t get me wrong. I hope Carl lights it up as he never has before. I just mean his health or lack of it has the team in a conundrum. Millions were spent on Yasiel, but many more millions were wagered on Carl. All we have to do is the Math. Regardless of his readiness, Yasiel can be sent to the minors. Carl can’t.
I believe much of what Yasiel has to learn can be learned at the MLB level. However, much can also be learned at the minor league level so he won’t exactly be treading water. It will be interesting to see when the team realizes it needs his type of play and makes the call to AA (AAA). Got a feeling I might be listening to some more Lookouts (Isotopes) games on radio.
It truly is a sweet conundrum.
You may remember that I was not enthralled with Crawford’s acquisition. I hope he returns to the form he displayed prior to his arrival in Boston, but at this point Puig is performing and Crawford is “rounding into shape”. Until Crawford demonstrates that he is “ready”, Puig should be our starter.
And as far as pitching is concerned, let’s see how Harang does today. Right now I’m inclined to say “Adios” to both him and Lilly based on what they’ve shown (or not shown) so far this Spring.
Good point Dick. It would be a mistake to rush Crawford back from hid TJ surgery, a mistake that could have severe consequences. Having Puig playing while Crawford gets ready could not be a mistake that is too serious. If he struggles, he goes to a lower level to play.
Lilly and Harang are probably the most expendable. Capuano could serve as a bull pen lefty and spot starter.