October 21, 2009

Minor League Update

October 21

by Kevin Goldstein

We're talking like beehive loud

Starlin Castro, SS, Cubs (AFL: Mesa)
Yesterday's stats: 4-for-5, 2 R, RBI

Generating a ton of buzz right now in the desert is Castro, the 19-year-old shortstop who, after Tuesday's outburst, is now 12-for-23 in six games for the Solar Sox without a strikeout. His ability to put the bat on the ball is remarkably advanced for his age. While he's not the next Ozzie Smith, he is a true shortstop who also has surprisingly solid defensive fundamentals for such a young talent, as he's also yet to make an error in Arizona. Is he the top prospect in the system? You could at least make the argument.

Way too early to write him off

Michael Saunders, OF, Mariners (VEN: Lara)
Yesterday's stats: 3-for-5, HR (1), R, 3 RBI, K

One of the best prospects in the Seattle system entering the season, Saunders got off to a roaring start at Triple-A Tacoma this season, batting .310/.378/.544 in 64 games, but his big-league time wasn't nearly as successful, as both his on-base and slugging percentage finished at the sub-.300 level. Sitting on the bench for most of September means that he's still officially a prospect, and he got his offseason going on Tuesday with a home run off of Mets prospect Chris Mason. He's still an impressive combination of tools and skills, so while the big league showing is a concern, it's only a bit of one, and he's certainly not the first prospect to learn that the majors are difficult.

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