Sahadev Sharma recently had the opportunity to hit up Arizona, which means Arizona Fall League baseball, which means top Chicago Cubs prospects.
On his trip, he had occasion to talk to center field prospect Albert Almora about all manner of things, and you will want to read those things. An example quote to give you the vapors:
“To be honest, I’m confident in my game,” Almora told Sharma. “I’m not trying to sound cocky or arrogant here, but it’s the same game, the pitchers are just smarter. They throw a little harder than what I’m used to seeing, but after a week of 98 (mph) every day … I’m not saying it’s easy, but you see it better. As a player, I might be 19, but I’m ready, I’m ready to play against all these guys. Age is nothing but a number. I feel like I’m capable of playing and my baseball IQ is the same as these guys’.”
Not a damn thing wrong with confidence. Hell, it probably helps Almora play up. Now we’ll all just look for him to prove it next year, and hopefully stay healthy for the duration.
It remains to be seen what Almora’s progression will be, or even where he’ll start out the 2014 season. High-A Daytona seems a fair bet, and Almora may stay there the whole season, given that he doesn’t even turn 20 until April.