It was just a few short months ago that Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar drove a shot to the left center field gap that stunned Mets nation. The Mets prized import and regular season hero, Yoenis Cespedes, made a curious play that allowed the ball to go for an inside the park homerun. This set the tone for a Royals World Series win.
The Cuban-born slugger's offseason was filled with questions surrounding his lack of hustle, his work ethic, and his attitude. Many MLB insiders projected Cespedes to get a monster eight year deal at more than 20 million dollars a year. Eventually, much to the delight of most Mets fans, these questions lead him right back to Queens on a three year deal worth $75 million dollars.
Today, Mets fans saw the lack of hustle on display again. In a game versus the Houston Astros, A.J. Reed drilled a shot to the centerfield wall and Cespedes did not attempt to pick it up giving Reed the inside the park home run.
Now, there is no reason to panic. It is spring training and Cespedes is batting .419 so far this preseason. However, one must wonder if this what the Mets can expect from Cespedes all year? (Great hitting with lackluster outfield D.) The jury is still out.
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