There are several such scenarios right now, with elite talent blocked by elite talent. I am focusing specifically on scenarios where there is a legitimate dilemma. In the case of the Royals for example, Mark Teahen blocks Alex Gordon, but the club will have no problem relocating one of them (likely Teahen) because of Gordon’s vastly superior talent.
Here are two middle infield prospects who are likely to see either a change in position or a change of scenery in the near future.
Next week I’ll discuss two more players in a similar dilemma, and how I see it their situations are being resolved.
Sean Rodriguez, SS, Anaheim of Los Angeles
No relation to this season’s Yankees playoff hero Alex Rodriguez – at least none less than six degrees – Sean Rodriguez is yet another (see Brandon Wood) up and coming 21-year-old shortstop in the Angels system. This year in High-A Rancho Cucamonga, all of Rodriguez’s offensive talents were on display. His .301/.377/.545 vitals and 15 steals in 18 attempts (83.0%) earned him a call-up to Double-A Arkansas where he proceeded to hit for a 1.124 OPS in 65 at bats.
Though still a year or two away from the majors, Rodriguez is blocked by Orlando Cabrera at the big league level as well as minor leaguers Erick Aybar and Wood – though Wood will likely move to third base to maximize his power potential.
Looking into the future, the Angels will likely let Cabrera go to make room for Aybar, meaning third base, second (see Howie Kendrick) and short will all be filled with top prospects. Rodriguez could be used as trade bait, and with his potential he’ll likely give the Angels a good deal of value in return.
Elliot Johnson, 2B, Tampa Bay
Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Devil Rays in 2002, Elliot Johnson, 22, had taken his opportunity and run with it heading into the 2006 season. In 2005, he put up .273/.350/.449 vitals while swiping 28 bases in 33 attempts (85% success) at High-A Visalia.
Johnson’s stock took a dive in 2006, in part because of sub-par production at Double-A Montgomery, but primarily because of the acquisition and subsequent rapid ascension through the minors of Long Beach State product Evan Longoria. Johnson, already strikeout-prone, didn’t help his cause by losing his edge on the bases in 2006, as he was caught 18 times in 38 attempts (53% success).
Longoria, who is blocked himself by converted third baseman B.J. Upton, is now pegged as the second baseman of the future.
Johnson was never going to be a superstar, but his status with the Devil Rays has now come into question. A switch hitter, he seems like someone who would be effective in a utility role, backing up top infield prospects Upton, Longoria, and future shortstop Reid Brignac.
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The Project Prospect Geek Test:
In addition to having the best mascot in the minor leagues, the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits saw a number of talented players don the blue and orange this season. Along with Elliot Johnson, future major leaguers Reid Brignac, Evan Longoria and Jeff Niemann all played for the Biscuits in 2006. The Biscuits also had three contemporary major leaguers, that is, three players who spent time both at Montgomery and at Tampa Bay for the big league club. Name them.
Last Weeks Answer: Andrew Miller
If you think you know the three Biscuits who played for the Devil Rays in 2006 or if you want to talk about Elliot Johnson, email Pat at theblacktornado@gmail.com.