Rays’ Simon leads Arizona Fall League with 18 RBIs

MESA, Ariz. — Absorb a Photo voltaic Sox sport throughout the 2022 Fall League and there may be an unmistakable persistent chatter buzzing across the crew; odds are, it’s from a dialog began by Ronny Simon. The unofficial heartbeat of the Mesa membership is the official league chief in RBIs by means of motion Thursday following a 4-RBI efficiency from the Rays prospect.

Simon kicked off the scoring in Mesa’s 6-3 win over Shock at Sloan Park with a run-scoring groundout within the first, earlier than his game-changing drive to proper within the fourth. Vital winds blew in earlier throughout the body, possible flattening his bases-clearing double that fell simply in need of the monitor. After popping a number of balls onto the berm with the solar shining throughout batting apply, Simon must accept a two-bagger that broke a 3-3 impasse.

“My method is at all times: Carry ‘em dwelling,” Simon stated through interpreter Annalee Ramirez. “I attempt to regulate my runners on base and that’s the purpose — convey ‘em dwelling.”

Listed at simply 5-foot-9 and 150 kilos, Simon packs vital punch for a participant of his measurement. The infielder cites his quick fingers as the reason behind how he’s in a position to generate a lot extra-base hit pop.

Simon didn’t hit a lot throughout his age-18 marketing campaign, his first after signing with the Cubs as a global free agent out of the Dominican Republic. His second go-round of the Dominican Summer season League in 2019 went significantly better, as he notched a .983 OPS over 54 video games. However then the pandemic-canceled season struck — adopted by a commerce to the D-backs — delaying his stateside debut till ‘21.

After displaying glimpses of a tantalizing energy/velocity combo in his lone 12 months within the Arizona group, Simon burst onto the scene this previous 12 months, his first with the Rays. Throughout 109 video games between Excessive-A Bowling Inexperienced and Double-A Montgomery, Simon, a switch-hitter, collected 22 dwelling runs and 34 stolen bases, whereas hitting .260.

“Once I obtained [to the Rays], I spotted that I had numerous good, aggressive teammates and I needed to make it possible for I saved up with them,” Simon stated. “It was a 12 months that was full of challenges however nonetheless, I used to be in a position to develop. There was quite a bit I used to be in a position to enhance.”

Simon spent nearly all of the season alternating between second and third base defensively. He made six begins at shortstop at Excessive-A, however none over the season’s remaining two months. Then he arrived in Arizona and has taken over as Mesa’s main shortstop, whereas additionally incomes beginning nods at his now-familiar dwelling of second and third.

“I’ve actually been engaged on turning into a greater shortstop,” Simon stated. “Not solely have my coaches right here within the dugout instructed me it’s been one thing I’ve gotten higher at, however even coaches from different groups have talked about to me. So it’s one thing I’m very happy with and one thing I’ll proceed to work on.”

In 69 innings at quick throughout the Fall League, Simon has made only one error and helped to show eight double performs.

About that persona. Acquired by Tampa Bay in change for Jordan Luplow in November 2021, the native of La Romana, Dominican Republic, has grown adept at being the brand new child within the clubhouse, having performed on six totally different groups over the previous two seasons alone. A smile is all however completely on the 22-year-old’s face when on the yard, both whereas maintaining a operating banter with teammates or honing sides of his sport alongside the teaching employees.

“I actually at all times attempt to be joyful with a smile on my face,” Simon stated. “If that’s what I can convey to the crew — you understand, if I see any individual bummed out or that’s not smiling, I attempt to [make them] smile.”