it should be remembered, how young he still is, and somewhat raw--and the flashes of very impressive skill should be a positive..
I agree 100%. He's extremely athletic and fast, has shown huge power, is pretty darn good defensively, and has a big arm. He has four tools. He just has to hit a bit more. With his speed and defense Taylor doesn't need to make a lot of contact to suddenly be the Nationals center fielder of today and the future. I think with improved contact he could develop into a 30 and 30 player who challenges for a Gold Glove in center. That's a cornerstone player you can win a lot of games with.
which begs the question.. should he be playing in AAA to develop more
I don't think so. The Nats threw him into the fire sooner than they planned but even in the minors he was a high strike out hitter. I think putting him in Syracuse would just see him piling up steals, homers, a good average, and still a lot of K's. I think he is who he is unless he just starts improving. I don't see it but Dusty Baker believes in the potential and that gives me some hope. He's only 25. I don't think he'll ever develop enough contact to be a full time player but I understand why the Nats are trying. And if anyone can get it out of Taylor than it is Dusty Baker.
One comparison I would make to give to hope for Taylor is Ian Desmond. All the tools, grinder, and coaches loved him. His first two full seasons in the majors were awful. Third full season? Turned into an offensive engine when many of us, myself included, were ready to trade him for anything.
