Ratliff Likes What He Sees in Left Field

July 11, 2008   ·   Patrick Hickey, Jr.   ·   Jump to comments

Hitting .222 with a homer and four RBI in 10 games this season, Mets 2008 fourth round pick Sean Ratliff is obviously still getting accustomed to life as a professional ballplayer, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t shown signs of being a dangerous hitter yet.

Mostly hitting in the fifth spot in the Brooklyn batting order since he joined the team on June 29, Ratliff is starting to show what kind of player he is, already racking up three multiple hit games and drawing eight walks in his short time with the team.

Despite the ability he’s shown at getting on base this season [364 OBP] though, Ratliff admitted he’s still finding his stride.

“Right now I’m still trying to figure out the wood bat,” Ratliff said. “It requires a little bit of a different approach, so I’m just trying to take advantage of some mistakes and drive the ball when I can.”

The Cyclones coaching staff understands this better than anyone, but still expects Ratliff to be a potent offensive threat some time this season.

“He has some pop,” said Cyclones skipper Edgar Alfonzo. “We expect to see more of that from him once he gets comfortable here.”

Considering what the Mets Single-A affiliate is expecting from Ratliff offensively this season, it’s fair to say he could get away with being a just a decent outfielder defensively. However, the Stanford-product prides himself on being as solid as he can on the field. More comfortable in center field, the position he played in college, Ratliff brings remarkable range, a cannon for an arm and a big play mentality to the left field wall at Keyspan Park.

“I try to combine some styles from a few players,” he said. “But what I’m really trying to do to right now is find my niche and find out what I have to do to progress as a player. Defensively, I take a lot from guys like Ken Griffey Jr. and Jim Edmonds, guys that are very aggressive and try to make plays on every ball that’s hit to them.”

In spite of what seems to be the urge to be a flashy defensive player and a guy who reaches havoc in the batter’s box though, there is one thing above all else that Ratliff prides himself on.

Being a good teammate.

So rather than bicker about what position he’s playing, Ratliff is ready to make an impression on the Brooklyn coaching staff anyway he can.

“I’m a guy who’s going to do whatever it takes to help this team win,” said Ratliff. “I’ve also been pretty lucky to get some balls early that I can make some plays on, so it’s been fun. With that short porch in left, I have a chance to make a few plays and anything that is hit near me, I’m going to try and make a play on it.”

Links:

Box Score to Last Night’s 2-0 Cyclones loss.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr. and Ron Hatcher.