He didn't name names, but Tatis needed only identify his most talented opponent by jersey number and color in Atlanta.

And during the MLB All-Star Game activities on Monday, another example of that was shown as Dodgers catcher Will Smith, who was selected as the starting backstop for the National League, gave his props to the Padres' Dominican star.

De La Cruz was one of a half-dozen of Tatis’ NL All-Star teammates who spoke Monday about the Padres’ 26-year-old right fielder. On the night his All-Star selection was announced, Tatis was asked if he was surprised.