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2007 Blanco walks a great deal, having taken the free pass in 14.8 percent of his plate appearances across two levels in 2006. That`s the one distinctive element to his otherwise water-bug skill set--he slaps and skitters, getting squashed on the bases more often than you`d like. Most players of this type don`t pan out, but his patience could be the difference-maker. 2006 This Venezuelan speedster was held captive in High-A in 2003 and 2004, but when finally promoted to Double-A, he had trouble making contact and showed even less punch. Those triples, a product of his speed, inflate a rather anemic slugging percentage. The increased walk rate is nice, suggesting that he at least understands his role as a table-setter. Scouts seem to like his glove; managers called him the best defensive outfielder in the Carolina League in 2004. In a world where free-swinging Ryan Howard wins Rookie of the Year and fellow non-selectives Willy Taveras and Jeff Francoeur finish second and third in the ROY voting, he`s worth keeping an eye on as a more disciplined alternative. 2005 Blanco sports a plus glove in center, but his utter lack of power raises concerns that he'll be able to get around on pitches at higher levels. He's posted solid walk rates, but he struggled for the second straight season at High-A Myrtle Beach, even accounting for tough park and league effects. Given his youth, he's still a prospect, especially if he maximizes his already solid on-base skills.
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