Offensively or defensively, there is no stopping Chandler Simpson
When a minor league prospect makes that jump to the big leagues, they often take time to adjust. There is a learning period in which they have to figure out how to translate their tools to that next level. However, there has been no adjustment period for Chandler Simpson as the speedster has been exactly as advertised.
The 24-year old outfielder showcased all of his talents during the Tampa Bay Rays three game sweep of the San Diego Padres.
On Friday, Simpson laid down a perfect bunt and made it to first place with the Padres giving up on the play. This advanced Taylor Walls to second, who would eventually score the only run of the ballgame.
On Saturday, Simpson walked and collected two hits. One of those hits was a groundball up the middle that Simpson managed to just barely beat out (almost any other player in baseball would have been out); he would be caught stealing immediately afterwards. He would notch another hit later on but made his presence known in the outfield as he would takeaway a homerun from Manny Machado that would have made it a one-run game.
Finally on Sunday, Simpson walked and then promptly stole second and scored on a single. Nex time up, Simpson singled and then advanced to third on a Brandon Lowe base hit and raced home on a wild pitch. Then in the 9th, Simpson laced a double off of Robert Suarez, perhaps the best closer in baseball, down the left field line that brought home an insurance run.
Just a fantastic weekend for Chandler Simpson.
DRAYSBAY PLAYER OF THE SERIES
- 1st: Kameron Misner
- 2nd: Jake Mangum
- 3rd: Brandon Lowe
- 4th: Jose Caballero
- 5th: Joe Boyle
- 6th: Shane Baz
- 7th: Chandler Simpson
- 8th: Christopher Morel
- 9th: Chandler Simpson
Simpson reached the big leagues just under two weeks ago after only 17 games in Triple-A Durham. The talented speedster how showcased his 90-grade speed and 70-grade bat. Entering play on Tuesday, Simpson has the 4th longest hit streak to begin his career in franchise history and is currently hitting .400/.455/.433 with 3 stolen bases over 8 games.
The Rays will begin their next series, a three-game set, against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.
Who do you think will be our next Player of the Series?