Neddy wrote:I am ashamed to admit that I watched him rather close, being in Mariners home territory and getting many of the games he played in, and did not see his potential to be what he has matured into. I thought the Mariners did rush him out there and he was underachieving, thought getting him for Zach Lee was a lopsided steal for us, but did not foresee what he has become.
Don't get me wrong. I didn't foresee the second-coming in Taylor. I was just as disappointed in getting what I thought was so little in return for Lee, but that had to do with Lee not fulfilling expectations of at least being a solid MLB starter. I only saw Taylor by reviewing MLB.com highlights immediately after the trade as well as reviewing some stats and a brief scouting profile. He looked like a good utility player who could play SS and easily 2B.
Obviously, I only saw his best moments, which were primarily as a defender. You've gotten to see the good and bad in him. I think it just goes to further reinforce how excellent a job Turner Ward has been doing as our hitting coach in unlocking even some unseen upside in players.
