Tatford Plays for Spot in Many Ways

The recent draftee has picked up on what many rookies find out - the more versatile one is, the more playing time there is to be had. In his first trip through pro ball, Tatford has been found all over the diamond in Brooklyn. Inside Pitch spoke with him about his many roles.

Originally drafted in the 42nd round of the 2003 draft by the Chicago Cubs, Jeff Tatford opted to go to college and as a result was drafted in the 15th round of this year’s draft by the Mets after an amazing senior year at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. Hitting .351 with 10 home runs in his last year with the Ragin’ Cajuns, all while playing every position on the field expect pitcher, Tatford will easily remind many Mets fans of former utility man Joe McEwing.

However, after proving himself as a potent offensive force in college and collecting hits in three of his first four games as a Cyclone, Tatford hopes to put himself in a situation to get much more playing time than McEwing ever got at Shea.

“I just try and shoot for consistency every day,” said Tatford, who is currently hitting .250 after five games. “I’m not really overpowering, but I try to pride myself on doing the little things well and help my team.”

One of the most underrated offensive threats on the team, Tatford has shown an ability to take pitches and has made the most out of every opportunity he has at the plate. Tatford has proven to be a commodity off the bench for the Cyclones.

“When I’m at the plate, I try and use the biggest part of the field and send the ball right back at the pitcher’s forehead,” said Tatford, laughing, who was an All-Sun Belt Conference player this season. “That’s what I try to do.”

According to Cyclones manager Edgar Alfonzo, Tatford’s versatility makes him an ideal weapon off the bench, but considering how well he started the year, his playing to bound to increase.

“I been thinking about giving him more playing time every day,” said Alfonzo. “Right now he’s swinging the bat really well. I like the way he swings the bat.”

However, while Tatford feels that his game would benefit from more playing time, he understands what his role is on the team.

“You might see me at catcher one day and at first on another, or maybe even in the outfield,” said Tatford, who admitted to wanting to play shortstop eventually this season. “There’s no telling where I’m going to play on any given day.”

A utility player in mind and body, Tatford doesn’t mind where he hits in order or where he plays on the field. The most important thing on his mind is winning and if he does that by contributing off the bench, that’s fine with him. With that kind of team-first attitude, Tatford figures to play a big part in the Cyclones success this season.