Versatility could be key for Mazzilli
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — When L.J. Mazzilli was traded from the Mets’ organization to the Yankees’ back on April 10, he was surprised at first — but ultimately, a bit relieved.
“When you get drafted by a team, you want to make it with that team,” said Mazzilli, a fourth-round selection by the Mets in 2013. “My dad (Lee) played for that team. My first year, I had a really good year, had some good hype going with them. When it wasn’t working out for a couple of years, I couldn’t put together seasons that I wanted to have, I thought a change of scenery was something that I needed and wanted. When it happened, it was hard to sink in at first. Then I was like, ‘OK, I feel like I’ve got a fresh start.’”
If nothing else, L.J. Mazzilli can now say he’s played for the two organizations with whom his dad, the popular Mets player for 10 seasons who also coached and is now a special assistant for the Yankees, is most associated.
“I’ve got that on the resumé,” L.J. noted, with a smile.
In fact, L.J.’s resume has diversified the past couple of seasons. He had basically played second base his whole life, including his stellar four-year career at UConn, during which he rapped out 295 hits and earned first team all-Big East honors as a senior.
“I wanted to be an everyday second baseman in the big leagues,” Mazzilli admitted.
But last season, spent mostly at Double-A Binghamton, the Mets suggested he split his duties between second base and right field. Mazzilli was on board.
“As my career was going on and I was trying to find something that would better my chances of making it to the big leagues, I always thought I could play right field, athletically,” he said. “It felt natural. So, when the Mets were talking about it, I said, ‘Yeah.’”
In fact, even when Mazzilli used to shag balls in the outfield at UConn, coach Jim Penders told him that would be his position one day. The transition was a successful one. When the season was over, Mets director of player development Ian Levin told him that he had the best year in the organization, defensively, as an outfielder, in terms of run prevention, routes to the ball and other factors.
“It was pretty cool to get that kind of feedback when it was something new,” Mazzilli said.
He began this season with Triple-A Las Vegas, but after just four games, was traded to the Yankees organization. He’s been with Triple-A Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre since the trade.
“He’s been very valuable for us,” Scranton manager Bobby Mitchell said, prior to the Rail Riders’ first of a three-game set with Pawtucket at McCoy Stadium on Friday. “Obviously, he plays several positions, he’s been very versatile. He still stays sharp despite not playing every day. He’s getting a lot of key hits for us. He’s a great kid to have on the team, a great teammate.”
“It only helps,” Mazzilli said of his versatility. “It’s an asset to be able to play anywhere and plug in. I took the role with open arms when I was with the Mets last year. I enjoy it.”
Mazzilli entered this weekend’s action hitting .221 with 5 homers and 16 RBIs in 163 at-bats. After earning all-star honors with Brooklyn in 2013 and Class-A Savannah in 2014, his minor-league career has never quite taken off.
But being in the Yankees organization, where winning and improving as a player are the only two goals, has helped him immeasurably.
“I feel like I’m getting better as a baseball player,” Mazzilli said. “It’s hard right now to say that, statistically, because I’m not where I want to be.”