“I gotta have more Cowgill!”
Ok, now that that’s out of my system, I promise no more references to the famous SNL skit “I gotta have more cowbell!” with the great Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken.
Regardless, after the way Collin Cowgill has started his spring, the joke does have some merit. We really do need to see more of Cowgill.
After being traded from the Oakland A’s in the offseason for prospect Jefry Marte, Cowgill is trying to earn a spot as an everyday outfielder. Through the first couple of spring training games, Cowgill is turning some heads.
Thus far in camp Cowgill is showing signs of possessing both speed and power. Cowgill hit his first home run in Wednesday’s 12-4 exhibition loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Through five spring training games, Cowgill has an impressive, but still early .571/.667/1.286 slash line.
For an outfield that has been raked over the coals for not being of major league-caliber, Cowgill could fill a big need. Cowgill is running with his chance to be a player that Terry Collins and the Mets can trust-and perhaps on an everyday basis- in the outfield.
While playing with the A’s and the Diamondbacks the last two years, something Cowgill never got was a chance. In 196 career at-bats, Cowgill has amassed a .269/.336/.317 slash line with two home runs, 18 RBI’s and seven stolen bases. Those are not exactly eye-popping numbers to say the least, but if extrapolated and given a fair chance, Cowgill could give the Mets a jolt.
Cowgill does have a great feel for the game and is your ultimate gamer. At 5-9 and 184 lbs. Cowgill is not that much of an intimidating presence. However, with his moderate power and above-average speed, Cowgill will be given every opportunity to get significant at-bats throughout the season-even if it has to be in a platoon split.
Granted, the outfield would look more suitable if the Mets had acquired Justin Upton and/or Michael Bourn in the offseason. However, that ship has sailed and we have to make good with what we have. And right now Cowgill may be one of the better assets the Mets have at the moment.
“I’ve got a fever and the only prescription is more Cowgill!”
Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
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We do need more dirty uniforms on this team,so.. ..
We need valdespin playing everyday.
I’ve always liked Cowgill a lot and still think he can be slightly above average. I still think he will win the CF job outright.
I think a good upside comp for Cowgill is one of his former teammates, Gerardo Parra. I think most Met fans would take that in a heartbeat.
Its been a great ST for CC so far. I like what Ive seen. I think he can have quite a productive year this year. He’s got what we need. And I need a little more Cowgill!
Justin Turner started off great, Kirk started off good and Duda had a productive end to 2011 so it is way too soon to tell about Collin but there are some nice indicators.Cowgill: 1HR, 9 RBI .653 OPS in 2012 but 2011 AAA 13 HR, 70 RBI .984 OPS. A .984 OPS is very good at any level and means he can get on base. Once the league gets a book on him, will he make the adjustments? That will be crucial to his developement. I see him starting as a platoon based on his ST start but maybe after awhile into the season he may wrestle the job away from his platoon partner and be an everyday player. I think Alderson did a nice job picking him up.
All good points, it should be interesting how TC assembles the OF on a day-to-day basis.
I agree that Cowgill will be a significant asset to the Mets. I think that people are too quick to judge the type of player he is because of the lack of time he’s spent in the majors.