For the 2018 Spring Training Season, the St. Louis Cardinals have concluded just fourteen games. Two of which, have ended in a tie. (6-6-2), doesn’t necessarily grab the attention of your typical fan. However, the contributions of one specific man can be said otherwise. Outfielder, Jose Adolis Garcia. The bottom line: Garcia is…. Good. Very good, in fact. It doesn’t take an over-genius Baseball Guru to notice and appreciate the type of player that Adolis truly is. A young athlete with the contact, power, speed, arm, and glove to attest to leading a franchise. Twenty-five at bats into Spring Training in ‘18, and the numbers are absolutely nothing to scoff at. Per MLB.com, Garcia has scored 5 runs, has 9 hits, 1 homerun, and is sporting a cool .360 average. His OBP sits at .429 and the OPS at 1.029. It is clear that in a short period of time, Cardinal Nation has caught a glimpse of what this young phenom can do.
So When?
With the Cardinal’s already impressive outfield that appears to be “set in stone”, the question may be presented: When will Adolis get his chance? The answer, is rather simple. The appearance of Garcia in the Majors, would more than likely come after injury from one of the key OF positions. Either that exact scenario, or in a situation that may leave the Red Birds in search of a talented bench player. Still yet, it can be debated that even the fourth outfielder role has already been claimed. While most would argue either Bader or O’Neill, it is not so certain. The performances by these young outfielders in the coming month, will surely determine exactly “who” deserves the spot at back-up outfielder. Possibly the most likely individual (offensively) with the next given shot in the bigs, stands indeed in the form of Adolis Garcia. It is important to note, that the man has already proved himself; and what we are seeing, is only a small sample-size.
Minor League Stats/Contributions
Within his somewhat brief Minor League Career, Adolis Garcia has played for two different teams. On each team, he has put up significantly productive numbers. With Springfield at the AA Level, Garcia slashed a content .285 Average, with 12 HR, 55 RBI, and 26 BB. At the AAA Level with Memphis, he put up subtly consistent numbers. BA: .301, 3 HR, and 10 RBI in only 40 games. As far as fielding was concerned in AAA, Adolis had a perfect fielding percentage of 1.000. All of his games defensively, he appeared in CF. (Only 10 games were played at that position.) His more significant impact, came over a long period of time in AA.
No matter what side of the spectrum you are on; the type of fan you perceive yourself as, or your preference in players, there is no argument how good of a player Adolis Garcia really is. The only question however, is if/when he will get his shot at the Big Leagues. As well as, if he is truly ready?
Keep an eye out Cardinals Fans. When the time is right, Adolis will surely come bursting through the doors of St. Louis. Ready, to lead this club.
Goodnight.
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