Spring Training Updates: Hitters

Mike Aviles - SS - Royals
Stats: .460 - 0 HR's - 5 triples - 50 at bats.
Outlook: He looks like the same Aviles that had fantasy owners excited in 2009.  He has yet to show his pop, but he is worth a last roster spot.

Julio Borbon - OF - Rangers
Stats: .314 - 1 HR - 3 SB's - 86 at bats.
Outlook: He looks to start centerfield and leadoff for the Rangers.

Chris Davis - 1B/3B - Rangers
Stats: .364 - 2 HR's - 22 K's - 77 at bats.
Outlook: He continues to improve his hitting and cutting down his K's.  This looks like the breakout year for Davis.

John Bowker - 1B - Giants
Stats: .310 - 5 HR's - 75 at bats.
Outlook: He is currently a backup in LF and at 1B.  He could take over for often-injured Aubrey Huff. He is ready for the Bigs either way.

Carlos Gomez - OF - Brewers
Stats: .300 - 0 HR's - 11 SB's - 70 at bats.
Outlook: He has been just about everything the Brewers wanted, though some power is expected.  The one-time big prospect should be back on the radar, especially if you need SB's.

Chris Johnson - 3B - Astros
Stats: .317- 7 HR's - 60 at bats.
Outlook: He looks like he will make the roster, unless the Astros decide to send him down to get at bats, but with Pedro Feliz at 3B and Geoff Blum at 1B, Johnson has a shot to start by seasons-end.

Sean Rodriguez - 2B/OF - Rays
Stats: .460 - 6 HR's - 63 at bats.
Outlook: He will make the roster, but will not likely start...yet.  He showed tremendous power in the minors as well as in Spring Training.

Tyler Colvin - OF - Cubs
Stats: .468 - 2 HR's - 2 SB's - 77 at bats.
Outlook: The former #1 pick had a huge spring and won a spot on the roster.  He will have to wait for injury or major slump to start, but keep on eye on him.

Kyle Banks - OF - Padres
Stats: .407- 3 HR's - 59 at bats.
Outlook: The big prospect had a great spring and will start in LF and possibly bat clean up.

Julio Borbon - Pierre With Power

Juan Pierre with a touch more power. That is how I would describe Julio Borbon, CF for the Texas Rangers.

Borbon is young, only 24, but has shown some serious talent at the major league level. Last year, 46 games, he batted .312, 30 Runs, 20 RBIs, 4 HRs, and 19 Stolen Bases. Solid. The next time Juan Pierre hits that many homeruns in less then 50 games will be the first time.

If we calculate that Borbon played a 1/3 of a season, that would mean that over a full season he would have 90 Runs, 60 RBIs, 12 HRs, and 50+ Stolen Bases. That would be pretty sweet! Can he continue at this pace for a full year? Not sure. But he will get his chance.

Texas has made it clear that he is the starting center fielder and want him as their leadoff hitter. So what we have in Borbon is a starter with good potential, a nice sample of big league games, and plays on an offensive minded team. There is a lot to like here.

I would value Juan Pierre a little higher then Borbon just because of his stellar track record, but Borbon could out perform him - especially with a little more power. Julio Borbon is another good young outfielder that can be had late in the draft.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)