Yeah, I know it’s cheesy. I wanted to put showers and Mayberry in the same sentence but was aiming for something like.. “Hit the showers Mayberry”
I keep watching this guy in wonder. I hear things like “Big prospect” or “Top notch” or “Future of the Phillies Outfield!” I just don’t see it.
Let me explain.
A number of years ago I heard an interview by former major leaguer Jose Canseco. He said something to the point of not even liking baseball but it was a quick and easy buck. I suppose the steroids he used were an afterthought but one call from a game in Charlotte last week made me think back to that interview.
“The ball one hops the outfield wall and Mayberry headed to score.. no he gets the stop sign.. he wasn’t running at full speed.”
I really wonder… Does John Mayberry Jr. really like baseball? Has he lost interest in baseball? Looking at his life, he grew up in the game. His father was an All Star and growing up he had a head start in the game. Being around baseball then growing into an athlete’s body pushed him towards the game, a career, following in dad’s footsteps. A lot of people take on their parents careers and some do that reluctantly. I wonder if Mayberry falls into this category.
Now I know he is hitting .276 with 5 homeruns and 21 RBI this season. He can hit the ball alright, but this guy does not hustle. From right center field you get to see a lot of Mayberry and he lopes after fly balls, half heartedly jogs around the bases and only really runs when the Pigs get 3 outs and he heads back to the bench.
Needless to say but I will anyway, John Mayberry does not impress me.
If anyone knows.. leave us a comment. Let us know. Does Mayberry love the game or is he just trying to make other people happy? He has talent, he has the athletic prowess needed to play, he has the opportunity..
What’s missing? Could it be the same syndrome Carlos Carrasco had last season? For those who missed it Carrasco was very upset at not starting the season at Philadelphia and it reflected in his play. He did the same thing in Reading the year before. He struggled until he was promoted and then was lights out with the Pigs in 2008.
I know some of you out there love this guy, and even I hope he turns his play up a few notches.. but until I see some hustle out of this guy he’s on my list of disappointments.
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
If only subconsciously, there is no question Mayberry must be a bit disappointed with being in AAA.
EVERY ball player wants to be in the Majors and, Mayberry got a healthy taste of the Major League paycheck last season.
He definitely did not light things up immediately after his reassignment to AAA Lehigh Valley last year.
Mayberry started on a contract worth $ 32,500 for AAA service last season and then was promoted to Philadelphia on a $ 400,000 annual salary pro-rated.
When returned to the IronPigs, Mayberry’s AAA pay increased to $ 65,000 per yer pro-rated in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
This season, Mayberry has a “split-contract” paying $ 122,853 for minor league service. This is the second-highest minor league contract on the IronPigs behind Zagurski.
I think the Phillies pushed Mayberry’s minor league salary up to six figures to encourage him to be patient and keep working hard on his batting eye, which seems to be improving strikeout-ratio-wise.
If Mayberry is not hustling, that is extremely disappointing.
He should realize he is on the cusp of a regular Major League salary if he continues to progress, if not necessarily with the Phillies.
Mayberry can hit home runs at the Major League level and, therefore, change games. Major League power is always in demand and there are 30 ML clubs.
Mayberry should be hustling more than ever, I would be inclined to think, if only to show off his wares to other ML teams.
Since the 3 for 5 effort on May Day versus Indianapolis…
Mayberry has batted all of .176 his last 10 games(34-6 ab/h, 2 HR 6 RBI, 5 bb, 9 so).
The IronPigs need more from Mayberry.
Is Mayberry reading your blog ? he just hit his 6th HR of the season (2 hr blast) in the top of the 1st inning lol
I know right! I need to put criticism out more often.. sheesh! I don’t like to but sometimes it’s hard to hold in.