Getting to Know Tri-City ValleyCats OF/DH Carmen Benedetti

Tri-City ValleyCats OF/DH Carmen Benedetti was literally the first player I saw when I arrived in Troy, New York on Saturday. He was by the stands, holding court with a couple of fans, when I introduced myself. I was immediately struck by his engaging personality and his quiet self-confidence. Benedetti is someone who is very comfortable in his own skin.

Carmen Benedetti - July 2016

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Benedetti, the Astros 2016 12th round pick out of the University of Michigan, has had a very good start to his professional career. In 21 games for the Tri-City ValleyCats short season A club, he has hit .364/.411/.432 and is even better against his fellow southpaws (.421/.500/.526) and with runners in scoring position (.419/.455/.484).

In talking to Tri-City Manager Lamarr Rogers about Benedetti, it was once again Carmen's personality that came to the forefront in our conversation. "Carmen is a very interesting player to me. I love his ... I guess you would say ... his flow. He's never too high. He's never too low. He's in his own space. It's fun. He's very secure in who he is. He's a bright spot on this team from a personality standpoint. He's very up tempo, lively personality, a lot of fun to be around. His little mannerisms and the things that he does makes every one smile. I just think that it's an asset to him and I hope he doesn't change," said Rogers.

Rogers continued, "He's new to professional baseball, but he seems to have made the adjustment offensively. He's got some work to do defensively, but obviously he does swing a very good stick."

I would like to echo Rogers statement. I also hope that Benedetti doesn't change. With such a great personality, he is destined to become a fan favorite.

Thank you for your time, Carmen, and the best of luck as the season continues.