Being traded mid-season is tough.
You have to get used to a new stadium, a new clubhouse, new routes to get to and from the ballpark, a new fanbase, and a whole lot of stuff that makes each team unique.
So getting involved right away and helping your team produce could help ease the anxiety of uprooting everything you became accustomed to in your old city, and one opportunity could change everything for you.
That's exactly what Garrett Cooper is waiting for.
So far, since being traded to the Padres at the deadline, Cooper has only appeared in 2 games, and has a total of 4 at-bats in those games, going 1-4 with a run scored.
Despite his role being a platoon piece off the bench, Cooper seems ready for an opportunity whenever it arises, even though he doesn't get to see the field everyday:
“I don’t worry about those kinds of things,” he said. “Just whenever my name is called, I just go out there and do my job and give my team solid at-bats. That’s what I’m focused on.”
Especially when your role is off the bench, you make do with what you can. Even though the situation isn't exactly what you want, being flexible and ready to go is always important no matter how many days in a week you're playing.
So how does Cooper stay ready to go whenever the team needs him? The answer: Consistency.
“Anything can change,” Cooper said. “Getting into the game in the (fifth) inning yesterday was to me like a start. You just take it day by day. If you’re in there, you’re in there. It’s the same preparation you do every day, so anyway to help the team win, facing a lefty or whoever. Just take it day by day and pitch by pitch.”
How do you think Cooper's role will change over the rest of the season? Do you think he'll stay as an option off the bench, or will he get consistent starting reps?
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