By Jerry Del Priore
With the independent Atlantic League underway, here are a few players (former New York Met and New Yankee products—MLB and MiLB) who are making waves at the plate and on the bump.
Jordany Valdespin – Long Island Ducks
The embattled ex-Met infielder is batting .410 (fifth in the ALPB) with three home runs (tied for 1st), 12 RBI (tied for 2nd), three walks and two stolen bases in 39 at-bats in nine games. Valdespin is a player to watch, especially if he can keep his attitude in check.
Francisco Rodriguez – Long Island Ducks
The former Mets reliever is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in one inning in one tilt. Surely, several teams will be looking to add viable, experienced bullpen help as the MLB season progresses, and K-Rod could play a pivotal role if the stars align just right.
Wilson, an ex-Yankee minor leaguer, is hitting .294 with three homers (tied for 1st), seven RBI, two doubles and seven bases-on-balls in 34 at-bats in 10 contests.
Tyler Badamo – Long Island Ducks
The Long Island, New York, native and former Met farmhand is 1-1 with a 4.82 ERA in 9.1 frames in two game starts.
