QUEENS, N.Y. -- The defensive work that Pete Alonso did would determine the course of his career, as was explained to him when he was in the minor leagues. There was high regard for his hit tool out of college, his power and his drive for improvement, but he was seen as just about unplayable at first base.
This was explained to him: If he was going to play for the New York Mets, in the National League, he would have to establish himself as a viable defender. So as minor-league instructor Tim Teufel began his work with Alonso, he asked Alonso for a name of a first baseman he wanted to emulate.