Tampa Bay Rays Could Be Perfect Spot for Melissa Mayeux
By David Hill
By now, we have all heard the story of Melissa Mayeux. The shortstop of the French Under-18 team, the 16 year old has made history as being the first female to be added to the Major League Baseball registration list. Now, she will be eligible to be signed by a team as of the second of July.
Naturally, at her age, it is difficult to project what type of player that Mayeux could be. She is reported to be a fluid defensive shortstop, possessing a strong arm and is capable of making all the plays. Scouts have also stated that she may have the bat speed to make a mark professionally, as she had managed to get a base hit off a 91 MPH fastball. Those attributes will certainly get a prospect noticed, regardless of gender.
While it is thought to be unlikely that Mayeux is signed during this period, especially as European prospects are typically signed closer to 18 years old, that does not mean that a team could not take a chance. Perhaps some organization, one with a history of looking for talent in any corner, would come calling. A team that has managed to find ways to win, regardless of how unorthodox it may be. A team like the Tampa Bay Rays.
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The concept of the Rays signing Melissa Mayeux goes beyond the potential for her presence to help the team actually get fans into Tropicana Field. If Mayeux is able to have her abilities translate to the minor leagues and rise through the system, the Rays could find themselves with a solid middle infield prospect. Just knowing that Mayeux could have the raw tools to be a viable shortstop could make her worth taking a chance on.
In fact, the Rays could be the perfect team for Mayeux to end up with. They have a reputation for being able to develop young talent, and while that has mainly been on the pitching side lately, they would be under no rush to bring Mayeux through the system. She would be able to get acclimated to the American game, potentially finding success at each level before being moved along. At her age, there is certainly no rush to bring her to the majors within a couple of years.
Melissa Mayeux already made history by being the first female to be added to the MLB registration list, allowing a team to sign her as an international free agent. If a team does take a chance on her, do not be surprised if it ends up being a franchise like the Tampa Bay Rays.