Andrew McCutchen is a five-tool threat just waiting for an opportunity with the Pirates.
|
MAJOR SPEED IN THE MINORS
We can all clearly look to our fantasy websites to find out who has the hottest cleats in the majors, but how often do we look into the crystal ball and predict who is the next speedster to hit the big league base paths? Here is a list of Class AAA players making major moves on base paths across the nation.
CLASS AAA
International League:
Josh Anderson, OF – ATL: This is a young player who almost made the team this spring. Arriving in Atlanta via a trade with the Houston Astros, Josh Anderson is basically a Mark Kotsay or Matt Diaz injury away from the majors. Currently batting .375 with one home run and four stolen bases, it is only a matter of time.
Justin Ruggiano, OF – TB: Do not look now, but the injury to Cliff Floyd just promoted this 26-year old outfielder to the big leagues. With 23 at bats in the minors this year, Ruggiano did manage to steal three bases in three attempts. He also added one round-tripper all while batting .304 in Triple-A.
Jay Bruce, OF – CIN: Expected to be in the big leagues already, Bruce is beating up on the pitching in the minor leagues. Batting .317 with two home runs, six runs batted in, and 7 runs, there is no doubt that he is ready. With the addition of two stolen bases, the only question is whether or not the Reds are ready for him.
Andrew McCutchen, OF – PIT: Although struggling with a .220 batting average, McCutchen is really being held back by the surprising play of Nate McLouth, the re-emergence of Xavier Nady, and the lack of injuries to the major league team. McCutchen has contributed to his minor league team with two home runs and two stolen bases. Do not let the.220 batting average fool you; he is a five-tool athlete on the brink of a major league career.
Neil Walker, 3B – PIT: Here is another Pittsburgh product itching to get into the majors. Walker has shown some pop at the bat (two homeruns), some speed on the base paths (two stolen bases), and like McCutchen, some plate-discipline problems early on (.211 batting average). Walker still needs some time to grow in the minors, but he is a big leaguer in waiting, just the same.
Mexican League:
Ruben Rivera, OF – CAM: It is not often that you will hear of talent in the Mexican League, but Rivera is worth noting at this point. He has six home runs, six stolen bases, and batting .388, clearly demonstrating that he deserves a chance somewhere.
Christian Quintero, RF – OAX: Here is another player that at least deserves mentioning. Quintero has five home runs, with a league leading seven stolen bases, all while maintaining a .352 batting average.
Donzell McDonald, CF – MVA: McDonaldl is making waves of his own in the Mexican League, knocking in three home runs with six stolen bases and a strong .363 batting average.
Pacific Coast League:
Ian Stewart, 3B – COL: Stewart is no secret in the fantasy world. He is a major leaguer who is being held up because of the talented Garrett Atkins. He is already punishing minor league pitching with three homeruns, one triple, three doubles, and two stolen bases. With a slugging percentage of .642, it is safe to say that he is praying daily for an Atkins trade.
Reggie Abercrombie, OF – HOU: Abercrombie is like the ultimate minor league player, burning up the base paths with seven stolen bases and three home runs already; however, it appears that he is a ‘tweener at this point, easily discernable by his meager .189 batting average and 16 strikeouts in 37 at bats.
Sean Barker, OF – COL: At 28-years old, it is hard to call Barker a prospect; however, he is making a name for himself early this season. Stealing three bases has put him on the speed radar, and add in some pop at the bat (one homerun, two triples, three doubles), he may warrant some consideration if Brad Hawpe continues to show signs that it is more than an slump and more likely a hidden injury. Barker could step in as a utility player on the Rockies roster now, or if the team picks up where it left off last year, getting a September call up when rosters expand.