Quote: Jerry Manuel is impressed with Lucas Duda
In his first-ever big-league game, Mets rookie OF Lucas Duda was hitless in three at bats, though he made a terrific catch in left field.
He left the game early with a cramp in his leg.
Following the game, Jerry Manuel said of Duda:
“I was really impressed with his swing during batting practice. Just from what I observed today, from a defensive player and what I observed during batting practice, I think they’re going to have to find a place for this young man to play, here in the major leagues next year. Again, I hope I’m right, because he looks like the type of guy who can produce runs immediately and that is something that is lacking here.
I think I’m going to spend most of September focusing on the young players, especially Duda and Jenrry Mejia.
In talking to people in Spring Training, I got the impression Duda was never really in their long-term plans at the major league level, mostly because of existing big-league contracts, Fernando Martinez and a need for outfield defense in Citi Field.
The thing is, it would be really, really nice to have a guy who can mash the ball like Duda, like an Adam Dunn, just a big, strong kid capable of putting the ball out of any park. I have no idea if Duda can be that guy, but I look forward to finding out.
