On Monday, over in the Farm Report, we looked at some of my favorite players on the US team heading into the Futures Game, and promised a look at some of my favorite international players today in Prospect Buzz. Err, favourite I should say – that is how these players would spell it at least…
Five to Watch on the International Team
Elvis Andrus, Shortstop, Atlanta Braves
One of the top prospects in a system known for cranking out talent, Andrus was struggling with Myrtle Beach in the High-A Carolina League, and he is hitting .249 with three homers, 32 RBI, 47 runs, and 21 stolen bases in 28 attempts. Andrus has been quite hot of late, hitting .357 over the last ten days with a home run, ten RBI, six runs, and two steals, and it gives you an idea how much he had been struggling when he hits .357 for ten days and raises his average to just .249. A five-tool talent, Andrus is still a ways off, and realistically should not be on the major league radar until 2009.
Wladimir Balentien, Outfield, Seattle Mariners
Last year, the power was there for Balentien as he ripped 22 homers and knocked in 82 RBI, but his batting average was not exactly pretty at .230 in 444 at-bats. This year that batting average has increased almost .100 points, to .323 in 319 at-bats in Triple-A, and he has already belted out 20 homers, knocked in 64 RBI, scored 57 runs, and he has swiped 13 bases in 16 attempts. His strikeout-to-walk rate, while not perfect, has improved over last year, with 39 walks and 67 strikeouts so far. If the Mariners had not ripped off eight straight wins before Mike Hargrove’s resignation, it would be easier to see Balentien coming up this year as part of the rebuilding process. However, with the Mariners now in the think of both the Wild Card and AL West races, so Balentien looks right now to be at best a September call-up. Balentien will be in the majors definitely in 2008, and should have a chance at winning a starting spot in the outfield in next year’s Spring Training.
Max Ramirez, Catcher, Cleveland Indians
Yes, I know that the Indians already have a very good catcher in the majors, but, really, you can never have too many offensive catchers in your system. Ramirez actually did not start out with the Indians, but was a product of the Braves’ system that came over in the July 2006 trade that sent Bob Wickman down south. Ramirez hit .292 with 13 home runs, 63 RBI, and 69 runs last year in 394 at-bats in the South Atlantic League, and he has almost topped those numbers this year in just 228 at-bats in the Carolina League. In 64 games, Ramirez is hitting .311 with 12 homers, 52 RBI, and 40 runs, and he has even swiped a base. Ramirez has been hitting at a scorching rate of late, with a .389 batting average over his last ten games. Ramirez is still just in High-A, in the Carolina League, so do not expect him in the bigs until 2009, but he should be a first round minor league pick in fantasy leagues next year where he is still available. This is also of course presuming that the Indians will come up with some solution to the issue of him playing the position occupied currently by Victor Martinez, but I have faith.
Carlos Gonzalez, Outfield, Arizona Diamondbacks
The next great hitter in the Diamondbacks’ system, Gonzalez struggled early on in the season, but is finally starting to come around. Not much, as he is hitting just .255, but one has to start somewhere. His other numbers have all been solid, as he has 10 home runs, 47 RBI, and 35 runs through 81 games with Double-A Mobile in the Southern League. Gonzalez is going to need to prove that his awesome numbers last year in the Carolina League were not a fluke before he can move up the ladder, so this might not be his only year in Double-A at this rate.
Joey Votto, First Base, Cincinnati Reds
Lastly, one of the few Canadians on the team, Votto is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Justin Morneau and be the next great power-hitting first baseman from our neighbors to the North. Votto was an offensive monster last year in the Double-A Southern League as he hit .319 with 22 home runs, 77 RBI, 85 runs, and 24 stolen bases in 136 games, and he is trying to repeat that performance in the Triple-A International League this year. Through 81 games, Votto is hitting .322 with 11 home runs, 49 RBI, 44 runs, and 10 stolen bases in 295 at-bats. As time goes on, Votto will likely run less as the power increases, but the potential for him to be an elite offensive contributor soon enough is great. Look for Votto to get a serious look from the Reds in Spring Training and he should win a spot with the club.
That is all from me this week at the buzz. Be sure to tune in to the Futures Game this Sunday, and you can be sure we will be talking about it around here next week.
Have a question or comment for Mark? Email him at markhaverty@sportsgrumblings.com.
