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2007 Part of the very light payoff for Alex Rodriguez, Joaquin Arias has all the physical tools to be a fine shortstop. That doesn`t mean he`s going to be a useful major league player. He hasn`t developed even rudimentary selectivity at the plate and lacks consistency on defense. He`s young enough to develop further, but given the distance he has to travel, we may be asking the impossible. With Michael Young around, Arias will eventually be tried out at second, the first step toward a few years in the bigs as a reserve middle infielder. 2006 Still more tools than results, but Arias is making solid progress. Acquired in the A-Rod deal, he has put together two consecutive good seasons at the plate to go with his fine defensive reputation. What little power he has is improving, and 20-year-old shortstops who stick in Double-A are generally guys with futures. He`ll have to hit for a good average to contribute at the major league level, and so far he`s shown the ability to do just that. 2005 Came over in the A-Rod deal, and played pretty well as a 19-year-old in the California League. Still has to develop his skills, but he flashed some great speed, the occasional outstanding defensive play, and he's young enough to have a potentially solid career. If he lights up Double-A this season, he'll start showing up on some prospect lists.
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