The 2014 MLB season is barely underway, and already we have heard complaints about Yasiel Puig. The 23-year-old outfielder is playing in his first full season with the Los Angeles Dodgers this year after struggling in spring training and supposedly putting on a bunch of weight. According to general manager Ned Colletti, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.
There have been several reports over the past few days that the Dodgers reportedly held a meeting with Puig to clear the air. The news came in the wake of manager Don Mattingly voicing his frustrations with his young star after Puig struggled with a number of injuries — which may have been real or fake — during the team’s trip to Australia.
On Sunday, Colletti told MLB Network Radio that Puig is the one who called the meeting.
“He called it,” Colletti said, via the Orange County Register. “He wanted to know how he can get better and some of our veteran guys stood up and told him. And they told him how much they love him and how much they want him on the team and like having him here. But here are a couple of things … that we’d like you to be more focused on, get better at.”
Mattingly has not gone into detail about the meeting but described it as “a good meeting.” Colletti admitted that there is a maturation process with Puig but praised him for his enthusiasm.
“But he sought (the meeting) out the other day,” Colletti added. “He asked the question. He was searching for his peers to tell him what they thought he needed to do to get better and they did. So I see that as a good sign.”
If Colletti is telling the truth, that certainly is a positive sign from Puig. The media has painted him as a kid who does what he wants and follows his own set of rules, so seeking advice from teammates and coaches could show he is ready to grow up. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens next.
