Who’s in the Mood for M&M’s?
What would Spring Training be if not for bold predictions and seemingly far-fetched fantasies swirling around all media outlets as they and fans are foaming at the mouth for meaningful competition?
Photo: Steven M. Falk/The Philadelphia Inquirer
Former number one overall pick, Mickey Moniak, this spring is on pace to be labeled the dark horse surprise of Spring Training.
Yes, only ten at-bats in, but humor me, those two home runs against the Yankees were nukes! Not to mention the first one being a 95 mph heater on the most inner half of the plate where he did his best Chase Utley impersonation zooming his hands through the zone and launching the fastball into the cloudless crystal blue Clearwater sky.
Long balls aren’t the only source of power Moniak’s put on display either; two out of the other three hits are a double and a triple. He’s tallied 14 total bases in his ten at-bats. For context, Kingery is off to a slower start batting only .143, and while Odubel is off to a good start hitting .333, reservations against him are apparent.
I don’t see Quinn hitting consistently enough to maintain a consistent position in the lineup. Haseley may make some noise once he returns from injury as he started off the spring season solidly, but Moniaks power, speed, and ceiling give him an edge over Haseley if he stays hot at the dish.
However, the number one pick comes alongside different expectations and many more opportunities; fulfilling what almost feels like an obligation to be at least an excellent player will be a win for Moniak, but if he can speed up that process and perform under the spotlight at only age 22, 2/3 of the Phillies outfield is set for the next ten years.
Conversations can then switch to who Andrew McCutchen’s replacement in leftfield will be soon, which I believe suits Haseley and Kingery’s range more favorably.
Speed and power are rare and valued commodities, and when they come packaged in one player, the possibilities for winning contributions are endless. Especially this early on in his career, M&M could pose a threat anywhere throughout the lineup and come in handy utility-wise if Girardi and company want to take their time with how they play their hand with Moniak.
Again, he’s very young and raw, so you don’t want to waste that potential on indecision that would lead to inconsistent play and muddle the momentum he’s begun to piece together early on this spring.
Moniak keeping to his blistering pace throughout Grapefruit League’s remaining play and getting the opening day nod in centerfield is the best-case scenario. Even without a starting spot, seeing him start the process of growing into his game run chills from my toes up through my chest.
Not only does the ceiling rise on an already top ten offense, but Moniak would represent the second consecutive highly touted young offensive stud the Phillies have developed in successive seasons.
I can’t recall the last time I’ve been able to bestow such a high compliment on our farm system and scouting department, so it’d be a huge deal if this fiery start is a window into the future of Moniak’s play in red pinstripes.
Featured Image: Steven M. Falk/The Philadelphia Inquirer
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