In the fourth episode of RADIO.COM’s “Big Time Baseball” podcast, co-hosts Josh Lewin and Jon Heyman discuss the impact of rising young stars on the league, particularly Toronto Blue Jays rookie slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who was called up last week to make his MLB debut. They also discuss San Diego Padres rookie Fernando Tatis Jr. in a conversation with broadcaster Tony Gwynn Jr. about the Padres’ surprising start to the season.
Guerrero, who is rated as MLB’s top prospect, has appeared in five games, but is still looking to break out at the plate. The 20-year-old has just three hits in 18 at-bats after dominating the minor leagues last season and in a brief Triple-A stint last month.
“The guy is a hitting savant at only 20 years old, and obviously he has the name and the genes to do it,” Heyman said. “The scouts tell you he hits like his father -- Vladimir Guerrero Sr. -- but has better plate discipline. That is scary cause Vladimir Guerrero (is) a Hall of Famer, rightfully so, (and) should've been a first-ballot Hall of Famer. ... The scouts will tell you Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could be headed that way, too.”
Tatis, who started the season with the Padres but has been out of the lineup recently due to a hamstring injury, has helped propel San Diego to a 17-14 start. The 20-year-old shortstop is hitting .300 with six home runs, 13 RBIs and six stolen bases through the first 100 at-bats of his career.
“Fernando has been nothing short of electric for this Padres team -- offensively, defensively,” Gwynn said. “He's carried himself like he's been here for a few years.”
Lewin and Heyman also discuss the ongoing feud between Cleveland Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer and Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman as well as who the contenders are in the AL Central. RADIO.COM Sports insider Joe Girardi also joined the podcast, and Lewin and Heyman closed with the latest information on free-agent pitcher Dallas Keuchel.