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Hitter of the Night

Joey Terdoslavich, 1B, Braves (Aguilas Cibaenas, DWL): 4-5, K. Terdoslavich continues a solid winter with a great showing in the Dominican playoffs. He’s not a high-end prospect, but I believe in the bat if used properly, and he should be on a veteran-laden Braves team that doesn’t need him to start.

The Good

  • Francisco Peguero, CF, Orioles (Gigantes del Cibao, DWL): 1-4, R, HR. Peguero now has six home runs this winter in an uncharacteristic show of power.
  • Engel Beltre, CF, Rangers (Tigres del Licey, DWL): 3-4, 2 R, 2B, 3B. Beltre is in the mix for playing time in the Rangers outfield this spring and will get his share of it because of his defensive abilities. If he hits at all, he could steal a decent portion.
  • Eduardo Escobar, SS, Twins (Caribes de Anzoategui, VWL): 3-4, R, HR, BB. As an all-glove infielder, Escobar should fit in well with the Twins. It’s his defensive versatility, not his bat, however, that will keep him in the majors.
  • Ender Inciarte, CF, Diamondbacks (Aguilas del Zuila, VWL): 3-5, R, 2B. Inciarte has controlled the strike zone well this winter, which is exactly what he needs to do to be successful on offense. Balls in play are his friend, and that coupled with plus defense and base running could make for a useful player.

Still Tickin’

  • Bobby Abreu, RF, Free Agent (Leones del Caracas, VWL): 2-5, 2 R, HR, K. I’ve been having some fun with Abreu this winter, but he just keeps hitting, so it’s not that funny anymore. His home run on Monday was his fourth of the Venezuelan League playoffs alone and he showed during their regular season that he still knows how to get on base. Perhaps he really wouldn’t be the worst DH option for some teams?

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captnamerca
1/07
I believe in Bobby!
mschieve
1/07
I just saw on MLB trade rumors that the Indians were interested in Bobby Abreu.
mschieve
1/08
Now it's "not all that interested". Perhaps they just kicked the tires.
MaineSkin
1/08
Everytime people use Franco's winter to say, "see" (after a 30+HR season in pitchers league), I point them to Francisco Peguero, CF, Orioles. Adrian Beltre (who will end his career as the 3rd best 3B all-time), has a maxed out swing which famously lands him on his knee at times. Adam Jones, HanRam, Puig, Cespedes, Aza, etc...are all players who've had success swinging more than optimal mechanics/approach suggest. Springer is a great example. His BB% increased at even level while ending up at an insane 19% at AAA. Franco does not get deep into counts, but it's obvious his hand/eye coordination is elite. Are these types of hitters undervalued until they "prove" themselves at the ML level? Is the era of statistics, which I'm gladly a supporter, driven OBP value up so far that exceptional athletes like Franco and Springer sit behind prospects like Correra just based on their "mechanics"? 30 HR in a MiL season at 20/21 ending in AA is ridiculous, not to mention a 37-42 season by a 23yr old out of college. I just believe as extreme athletes start to dominate the sport, we really need to make sure the "Springers" are valued correctly. How many said McCutchen would never develop an abv avg hit tool? I will take Springer and his speed/power over Tavares bc as much as Tavares will get on base, Springer will do more while on-base and a capable CF. I know, blow me up guys.