Only 13 players in the history of baseball have hit two grand slams in a single game. Only one of those turned the trick in a single inning. On April 23, 1999, at Dodger Stadium, third baseman Fernando Tatis of the St. Louis Cardinals hit a pair of bases-loaded home runs in the third inning -- both off the beleaguered Dodger starter that night Chan Ho Park.
One moment in time. It sticks forever. It may not (probably won't) ever happen again.
Nevertheless, I'm starting to get the feeling that some fans and baseball experts are expecting that Tatis' son, nowadays the starting shortstop for the Padres, is not only capable of duplicating what his father once miraculously did, but that he can somehow surpass it. Three grand slams in one inning? How about just two in one inning, but accomplish the feat once a week?
Easy, folks.
There is no denying that Tatis Jr., who just turned 21-years-old about a month ago, is a special talent. But the expectations being put on the youngster in some corners, are simply not realistic. In 84 games a year ago, roughly half a season, Tatis Jr. hit 22 home runs, batted .317 and stole 16 bases. All the while, he played highlight-reel defense, blazed around the basepaths and excited not just the Padres' fan base, but all of those who follow baseball. He finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year race -- in half of a season.
The danger here is what was accomplished in half a season a year ago, doesn't guarantee that all of Tatis' totals will automatically be doubled this season. Is he going to hit 44 home runs and steal 32 bases, have an OPS approaching 1.000, and basically put together one of the greatest offensive seasons any shortstop has ever had in the history of the game? Maybe.
Heck, many around baseball think it's more than just likely. In a just-released poll, cobbled together by the MLB Network, Tatis Jr. was ranked as the 32nd best player in the game right now. That's pretty high praise for a kid who has played only three months of one major league season. To put his ranking in perspective, know that superstar Bryce Harper was ranked right behind him at No. 33. The superstar who lines up each night to Tatis' right, Padres third baseman Manny Machado, couldn't even crack the top 50 -- placing 59th.
Now I'm not saying the ranking is too high -- it might even wind up being too low -- but I am saying that everybody around this Padres ballclub better be prepared to temper expectations just in case. Tatis is not going to lift the Padres to greatness all by himself. Machado, for one, is going to need a bounce-back season (according to his standards) and that's not all. Pitching will have to come through, the bullpen will need a repeat of 2019, or better, and several other guys in the San Diego lineup will need to step up the pace considerably as well.
If all this happens, then perhaps the Padres can win the 85 games that are being predicted for them by most Vegas experts and make a run at a Wild Card spot. Notice we said "if" all of this happens? If just Tatis happens, it won't be nearly enough. So be careful of how much you expect from him. As good as he is, you may walk away a bit disappointed.
So as we all get ready for spring training, let's try to keep things in proper perspective. The kid is a phenom to be sure, but he's not yet Superman. I'd take a another .300 season, this time a healthy full season that includes the more modest totals of 30 home runs and 25 stolen bases. And I think you would (should) take it too.
If he smashes two or three grand slams in one inning somewhere along the line, that would be a bonus.