Cautionary Tale

According to the Transactions’ notice in today’s Sun-Times, the Blue Jays have signed Eloy Jimenez to a minor league contract, with an invitation to spring training. And suddenly I’m reminded of ex-Sox outfielder Thad Bosley, who, if I’m not mistaken, once said, “I used to be a prospect. Now I’m a suspect.” Whoever said it could’ve been talking about Eloy. As recently as 2023, Jimenez still flashed plenty of potential, as in eighteen homeruns and a .272 BA. Then it all fell apart in 2024. Eloy managed just sixteen RBIs in 229 at-bats with the Sox before being shipped off to Baltimore, where he hit .232 with seven RBIs in 95 at-bats. Last year, he split the season with Triple-A teams for the Rays and the Jays. I’ll swear on a stack of Bibles the problem was Eloy’s lack of seriousness. Gifted with power and a good eye, Jimenez was content to get by on raw talent. His best two years were his first two, when manager Rick Renteria held him accountable, certainly more than Tony La Russa or Mickey Mouse ever did. And now he’s a 29-year old fighting to hang on. Not my problem anymore, though I’m OK with the big guy finally figuring it all out. What I really want, though, is to avoid any repeats of Eloy with the current group of young Sox players. Chris Getz and Mickey Venable need to stress that talent alone will not be enough to make this team; hustle and coachability will matter just as much. With that, players can wave to the TV cameras to their hearts’ content.