Each Monday for the rest of Spring Training Project Prospect will be taking notes on how the best young hitters are faring in their Spring Training at-bats.
Billy Butler
– The precocious 20-year-old has been a star this spring, telling
reporters how he likes the babes in the outfield grass while posting a
mammoth 1.675 OPS (.619/1.056) in his 20 plate appearances. Although
it’s still unclear whether he’ll ever be even a decent outfielder,
Butler’s looking more and more like Travis Hafner clone.
Erick Aybar – Whether competing for a spot with the Angels or simply auditioning for a trade, the 23-year-old shortstop has had a great spring so far. Aybar’s posted a 1.039 OPS (.414/.625) with two stolen bases in his 27 at-bats. Blocked all-around with the Angels, Aybar might be shipped later this spring.
Alex Gordon – Gordon was having a very good spring up until he started experiencing “sharp pain” in his shoulder (his words). A 1.056 OPS (.500/.556) including a 4:2 walk-to-strikeout ratio bodes well for the future though, assuming he’ll return shortly.
Ryan Braun – After ripping three home runs and driving in 8 runs in his first two spring games, Braun became sidelined due to a sore elbow. He said that he took too much fielding practice – which if you’ve ever seen him field third base is entirely believable. His spring OPS stands at 2.236, so he’s got that going for him.
Andrew McCutchen – McCutchen’s boasts that life in Double-A was easier than in Single-A Hickory look pretty solid right now, as McCutchen has been the Pirates best outfielder this spring. The 20-year-old has gone 9-for-23 with a 1.071 OPS (.462/.609) and struck out just twice.
Justin Upton – While drawing huge praise from the organization for his athleticism and makeup, Upton the younger has also looked solid at the plate. An .835 OPS (.364/.471) bolstered by a 4:3 walk ratio in his 21 plate appearances signals that Upton may make great strides as a batsman this year.
Cameron Maybin – The Tigers have been careful with their top position prospect, limiting the 6-foot-3 centerfielder to just 14 plate appearances. Still one month shy of his 20th birthday, Maybin has looked strong at the plate with a 5-for-12 performance and a respectable 2:3 walk ratio for an 1.137 OPS (.500/.667).
Carlos Quentin – The Diamondbacks’ right-fielder has had a nice opening to spring, posting an .884 OPS (.360/.524) in eight games. True to form, Quentin’s shown good plate discipline as he’s struck out just once in 23 plate appearances.
Chris Young – The other rookie in Arizona’s likely opening day lineup, Young has looked good in centerfield but inconsistent at the plate. A .686 OPS (.286/.400) might prevent the 23-year-old from batting leadoff, but perhaps hitting seventh or eighth will help him ease into the year.
Carlos Gonzalez – Although he’s not close to joining Young and Quentin in the majors the 21-year-old right fielder has looked very good this spring, posting a 1.050 OPS (.450/.600) in his 20 at-bats. Gonzalez will likely head to Double-A where he can work on his plate discipline which has remained questionable this spring – 5 strikeouts and no walks.
Felix Pie – After a decent but hardly stunning 2006 dropped him in the eyes of many talent evaluators, Pie has been one of the Cubs’ best players this spring. In addition to a .379 OBP in his 10 games played, the 22-year-old has looked very adept in centerfield, where his strong arm and fleet legs may push Soriano over to left by midseason – Manager Lou Piniella has already declared that Pie’s heading to the minors regardless of how well he plays.
Kevin Kouzmanoff – Acquired in a rare prospect-for-prospect deal for Josh Barfield this off-season, Kouzmanoff has done well this spring. Four of his six hits have been for extra bases and the 25-year-old third baseman has an OPS north of 1.200 (.476/.765).
Troy Tulowitzki – Colorado’s likely opening day shortstop went 5-for-13 with three doubles to start the spring before taking a pitch off his wrist. X-rays were negative, indicating that the injury shouldn’t be too severe, but it could be four-to-five days before he returns to action.
Brandon Wood – While he’s only received 10 at-bats this spring and managed just three singles, the big news with Wood is his work at third base this spring and word that he’ll stay at the position when he joins his minor league club. Odds are that the shift will be permanent.
Daric Barton – Although he’s got no shot of jumping over Dan Johnson this spring regardless of how well he hits, Barton’s looked strong and healthy at the plate – a welcome change after an injury-plagued 2006. The 20-year-old has posted a 1.279 OPS (.529/.750) this spring and has yet to strike-out in his 17 plate appearances.
Travis Buck – Another Oakland prospect who is certain to start in the minors even with the injuries to Mark Kotsay and Bobby Kielty, Buck has impressed this spring with a 5-for-14 performance – including 4 doubles and a 4:1 walk ratio. A strong April in the minors could land Buck up with the A’s in May.
Joey Votto – Although he’s been overshadowed by the incredible performance by the resurgent Josh Hamilton, Votto’s been very good in his own right. The 22-year-old first-baseman has an 1.170 OPS (.545/.625) and leads all Reds with six walks in his 22 plate appearances.
Josh Hamilton – Who knew that Hamilton, now 26-years-old and nearly eight years distant from when the Devil Rays drafted him first overall in 1999, would be the cause of so much celebration in the Reds camp. A blistering 14-for-26 beginning and a 4:3 walk ratio might be a harbinger for better days to come for the gifted but troubled outfielder.
Nick Christie can be reached at nickchristie@gmail.com.