The Los Angeles Dodgers might be full of superstars, but it was Yasiel Puig who stole the spotlight in his MLB debut against the San Diego Padres Monday night. Never mind that the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers were caught up in a Game 7 battle, it was Puig's name blowing up on Twitter as #Puigmania was created.
Puig, the 22-year-old Cuban, wasted no time letting fans know why he's such a big deal. Nothing was hard hit, but he finished the game 2-4 with two singles as the Dodgers defeated the Paders 2-1. Not a bad way to start a career as Puig is now hitting .500. Probably the coolest part of his day was the flat-footed throw from the warning track. In a tight ball game in the top of the ninth, Puig made the play at the warning track and then gunned out the runner at first base to end the game.
He showed emotion and then celebrated with his teammates as Puig made a difference in the game helping the Dodgers win. The team is trying to climb out of a last-place hole in the N.L. West. At 24-32, the Dodgers have the fifth worst record in the National League as they trail the lowly Padres by 1.5 games in the division.
Puig could be a blessing in disguise. Maybe he could take some of the heat off the other players and bring some excitement to the city of Los Angeles. The Dodgers aren't supposed to be struggling this bad in 2013, not with their payroll and their stars. Puig can bring some spark from the minors as the youngster hit .313 with eight home runs, 37 RBI and stole 13 bases while posting a .383 OBP in 40 games.
The Dodgers will continue to keep an eye on their possible future right-fielder and if you ever see anything relating to Puig, feel free to use the #Pugmania hashtag.
