All this discussion about Mercedes and never once did anyone bring up how bad of a catcher he was. I say "was" because I think he can play catcher now just maybe not full time. He also had no pedigree . No high draft choice. When everyone looks at you as a DH only that makes the path to the big leagues much much harder. Of course if you only have one good skill hitting is the one that can get you to the bigs most most guys do not come up as DH only players.
I've had discussions with our wonderful Future Sox writers on him about why he was never a top 30 prospect in the Sox system even though I knew the answer why. I just wanted to put it in their heads that he deserved some consideration. I just got reasons that I'd mildly argue with. "he didn't show much power til AAA and they had a juiced ball, he is a terrible catcher, he is older than everyone at that level, he can't hit a curve ". Those are all the reasons I got from follow Soxtalk member over and over.
Now one day does not a career make so I'm happy he came through in a big way in his 1st real chance.