Mateo, with speed and power, could force way into A’s lineup
Heading into baseball’s second half:
Jorge Mateo has been a feast for the imagination since the A’s acquired him in the Sonny Gray trade with the Yankees two years ago. Mateo hits for average and power, he plays a solid shortstop with an aboveaverage arm, and he’ll be one of the fastest baserunners in the majors when he breaks in.
If you aren’t sure about all of that, you must have missed Wednesday night’s TripleA AllStar Game in El Paso, Texas. That was just one game, but in his limited appearance Sunday in the Futures Game, an exhibition that showcases baseball’s best prospects, Mateo showed the whole package. After beating out an infield hit — it looked to be a close play until Mateo beat the throw with ease — he drilled a runscoring triple to rightcenter field.
The MLB Network analysts were impressed, suggesting the 24yearold could be the A’s second baseman before long. Shortstop Marcus Semien isn’t going anywhere, but with Jurickson Profar struggling to hit (.212), and Franklin Barreto still looking to fulfill his potential, the A’s would be cheating themselves if they don’t give Mateo a look at second base.
Mateo hit .230 for TripleA Nashville last season, but the franchise’s move to Las Vegas seems to suit him: Through Wednesday, .308 in 82 games with 13 homers and 62 RBIs, and he led the Pacific Coast League with 13 triples and was tied for the lead with 116 hits. Baseball America labeled him the A’s Midseason Player of the Year in the minor leagues. One thing is certain: As the trade deadline approaches, teams can’t help but notice Oakland’s infield depth.
The Madison Bumgarner trade speculation continues. Atlanta could be his ideal landing spot. He grew up following the Braves, and aside from targeting the postseason behind some of the best young players in the game, they have a lot more on the way, with plenty of intriguing prospects to offer.
The independent Atlantic League has launched its experiment with computerized homeplate umpiring, and sources say the actual strike zone — from the top of the knees to the letters — will be employed. It should be refreshing, and perhaps a reminder that MLB has lost its way, simply ignoring the high strike with troubling regularity. Great example: As Christian Yelich led off Tuesday night’s AllStar Game, and that little box appeared on the screen, the top of the strike zone was at the belt. Unbelievable.