Victor Scott II: Speed, Legacy, and a Cardinals’ Resurgence
Victor Scott II, a name quickly gaining traction in the baseball world, carries the weight of Cardinals’ history on his shoulders, even though the legends he admires played before he was born in 2001. This 24-year-old center fielder, blessed with blazing speed, embodies a throwback style of play reminiscent of the Cardinals teams that dominated the artificial turf of the old Busch Stadium, emphasizing aggressive base running and gap-to-gap hitting.
Scott openly acknowledges the influence of Cardinals icons like Willie McGee, Vince Coleman, Ozzie Smith, and Lou Brock. He meticulously studied their approaches, recognizing their dedication and the impactful legacy they created for players with similar skill sets. He aims to emulate their impact, leaving his own indelible mark on the organization.
The Cardinals, somewhat unexpectedly, are experiencing a promising season, fueled in part by Scott’s emergence. Their eight-game winning streak has propelled them above .500 with a 22-19 record, placing them just one game behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. This resurgence is notable considering the team’s off-season moves, which included parting ways with former MVP Paul Goldschmidt and failing to trade Nolan Arenado. The memories of Albert Pujols’ dominance are also slowly fading.
Despite these changes, the Cardinals are finding their rhythm, with Scott being a significant catalyst. Their limited off-season activity and willingness to trade Arenado suggested a potential step back, yet they find themselves in contention. Arenado himself is experiencing a resurgence, expressing renewed excitement within the team and suggesting a shift from hoping for good fortune to actively striving for victories.
The team’s improvement is incremental, with players across the roster elevating their games. Scott’s contributions are particularly notable. He possesses elite sprint speed, ranking among the fastest players in the major leagues. He’s paired this with mechanical and tactical improvements at the plate.
Currently, he boasts a .290 batting average, two home runs, and a .357 on-base percentage. These numbers, while solid, don’t fully capture his impact. It’s his speed, combined with this offensive potential, that creates game-changing possibilities for the Cardinals. His 11 stolen bases in 12 attempts demonstrate his prowess on the basepaths. His ability to score from first on a single against Pittsburgh showcases his extraordinary speed and instincts.
However, Scott understands that speed alone is insufficient. He recognizes the importance of a refined offensive approach. An at-bat against the Nationals, where he battled back from an 0-2 count to deliver a rally-starting double, exemplifies his progress.
This contrasts sharply with his initial stint in the majors last season, where he struggled mightily, batting .085 before being sent to the minors. While he showed improvement upon his return later in the year, it was evident that he needed to make significant adjustments during the off-season.
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol confirms Scott’s dedication, stating that he arrived at spring training with a clear mission, displaying a noticeable difference in his approach and work ethic. Marmol attributes this to Scott’s detailed preparation, which translated into tangible results on the field.
Scott’s transformation stemmed from understanding the importance of off-season preparation. He returned to his home in Powder Springs, Georgia, where he had access to a valuable network of resources.
He spent mornings at Champfit Grindhouse, a training facility frequented by other major league speedsters like Chandler Simpson, Taylor Trammell, and Lawrence Butler. Scott focused on film study, analyzing his swing and identifying areas for improvement. He then applied these lessons in the batting cage, working on optimizing his movements and refining his setup.
His father played a vital role, accompanying him to local fields for speed and defensive drills. Regardless of the weather, they diligently worked on hitting, simulating game conditions. Scott emphasized that preparation and comfort were crucial after his initial struggles in the majors. He arrived early at the Cardinals’ spring training facility to acclimatize and work with the coaching staff.
With roster spots up for grabs during spring training, Scott seized the opportunity and secured the starting center field position. He was determined to avoid repeating his previous struggles. He focused on learning the game and incorporating those lessons into his off-season training. He aimed to be deliberate in his training and to become comfortable with the environment.
The results are undeniable. Defensively, his six outs above average rank among the league’s best, showcasing his range and ability to make plays in the outfield. Offensively, he has significantly improved his walk rate and line drive percentage, demonstrating greater plate discipline and a more consistent approach.
Marmol notes the substantial difference in Scott’s preparation and his ability to adjust based on game results. Scott now understands how opposing pitchers are trying to attack him and he is responding effectively.
While the long-term implications remain uncertain, Scott’s impact is undeniable. The Cardinals’ blend of experienced players, versatile contributors, and emerging talents like Scott and shortstop Masyn Winn is proving to be a potent combination.
The pitching staff’s current ERA suggests potential challenges ahead, but Scott’s contributions are providing a solid foundation. He and J.J. Wetherholt, a highly touted prospect currently in Class AA, could form an exciting, athletic core for the team. Their style of play might evoke memories of the Cardinals teams known for their aggressive base running and exciting brand of baseball.
Interestingly, Scott’s stolen base success rate in the majors exceeds his rate in college. He acknowledges the positive impact of MLB’s new rules, which promote base stealing. The Cardinals are clearly gaining a greater appreciation for Scott’s abilities, seeing him as a key component in their ongoing resurgence.
Teammates are expressing their excitement about the team’s potential. They recognize the talent within the roster and acknowledge that players are performing at a high level. Arenado specifically highlighted Scott’s performance, stating that he is exceeding expectations and playing better than anticipated.
