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When Leo De Vries signed with the San Diego Padres, the thrill felt actual.
San Diego didn’t deal with him like a depth piece. It paid for upside and projected him as a long-term shortstop. Inside months, he was seen as an important prospect in its system, particularly after years of buying and selling away minor league depth to chase rivalry.
Now, he’s with the Athletics, and the response from followers has been predictable: pleasure blended with skepticism.
A status for liquidation
The Athletics have a status, and it is not for failing to develop gamers. They’ve truly executed that half pretty properly over time. Matt Olson. Matt Chapman. Marcus Semien. These gamers turned affect massive leaguers after coming by means of the group. The teaching and analysis aspect has hardly ever been the problem.
The frustration comes later.
Olson and Chapman have been dealt earlier than reaching the costly levels of their careers. The teardown in 2022 despatched a number of recognizable names elsewhere. It felt much less like a reset and extra like a liquidation. For a lot of observers, it created the sense that the Athletics construct expertise solely to maneuver it.
There’s context behind these strikes. Payroll limitations and possession constraints. Aggressive home windows that closed sooner than anticipated. When a high-ceiling teenager lands in that system, individuals ponder whether he’ll ever anchor a contender there or ultimately headline one other commerce bundle.
De Vries is younger, however scouts already level to superior traits. His plate self-discipline stands out. The swing is compact and managed. Energy projection exists with out promoting out for it. Defensively, he seems comfy at shortstop. Clean actions. Clear footwork. Sturdy sufficient arm.
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