In the early part of Spring Training, Terry Collins declared a battle for the starting shortstop job between Ruben Tejada and Wilmer Flores.
“I am not saying Wilmer Flores is not going to be the shortstop, but all I am saying is that I am giving [Ruben Tejada] guy a chance,” Collins told reporters last month, according to Kristie Ackert of the Daily News.
Perhaps the notion of a competition – whether there was truth to that or not – has been healthy for Flores. And, if it was true, he has likely done what he’s needed to do to date to pull away from Tejada – or even Matt Reynolds – for the starting job.
Flores posted another big offensive day at the plate in the Mets 13-2 rout of the Braves at Tradition Field on Friday, missing a cycle only by a triple and highlighted his day with a three-run home run in the third inning.
He’s now hitting .455 with a homer, three doubles and five RBI in 22 at-bats over seven games this spring.
While he’s committed two errors at shortstop in his seven games so far this spring, he looks comfortable at the position and has made most of the routine plays with no issues. Comfort is important for Flores, and he has told me he’s more comfortable at shortstop than he is at any other position.
That stands to reason. He’s played 536 games at shortstop (including his stints in the winter leagues), more than he has anywhere else as a professional.
Sure, there have been times his flaws at the position have been evident. But, there have been others – like yesterday – when that comfort level has been evident.
With nobody out and the bases loaded in the fourth inning on Friday, Flores made a diving stop to his left on a ground ball towards the middle, successfully initiating a double play to help hold the Braves scoreless in the frame.
He’s not going to be able to sustain this offensive production, nor is everyday going to be great for him defensively, either. There’s no debating that. However, what he’s shown with the bat combined with his defense so far signals what the Mets are looking for in Flores. While they want him to be competent defensively, they’re hoping his bat can carry his defense.
While it’s still early in camp, he’s shown them exactly what they’re looking for.
Just Mets 
2 responses to “Wilmer Flores is establishing himself on both sides of the ball”
Obviously you take everything in spring training with a grain of salt. But it’s incredibly important that Wilmer does well this spring, not only to silence his critics but also to give him the confidence that he can do it. Hopefully, that carries over into the season.
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I think he’s going to be really good at the plate. Hopefully enough to make up for the errors.
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