This time last year, Alex Blandino was off the radar for most everyone who follows the future of the Cincinnati Reds. After posting just a .516 OPS in his chance to shine in the Arizona Fall League at the end of the 2015 season, the former 1st round draftee slumped to just a .232/.333/.337 line with AA Pensacola in 2016, performances that effectively rusted his prospect shine.
Whether it was the lingering thigh issue he picked up representing Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic or it was switching from Grape to Fruit Punch Gatorade, Blandino more than righted his ship during the 2017 season, however.