BOSTON -- It spoke volumes about Brett Baty’s progression as a baseball player that when Carlos Mendoza looked to shake up his lineup for Wednesday’s series finale at Fenway Park, the Mets’ manager chose to keep Baty in his starting nine.
On paper, Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet was a nightmare assignment for Baty, a left-handed hitter with extreme platoon splits. Mendoza played him anyway because he valued Baty’s defense at third base.
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Then he found his footing.
Relying on veteran teammates like Jacob deGrom, Michael Conforto, Edwin Díaz and others, Lindor began to learn the differences between market cultures in Cleveland and New York.
He developed a more open relationship with the media, and by extension, with fans.
He developed his leadership skills.
More than anything, he began playing better, finishing in the top 10 in National League MVP voting each of the next three seasons.
He developed a more open relationship with the media, and by extension, with fans.
He developed his leadership skills.
More than anything, he began playing better, finishing in the top 10 in National League MVP voting each of the next three seasons.
