Middle Infield tends to produce the most exciting rookies. When you think about it all the way back to Little League, the most athletic players play up the middle. When they can hit as well, that produces an exciting prospect, which leads to an exciting rookie. Now is as good a time as any to do a heat check on where we are with this year’s class that has debuted or is about to debut.
Kevin McGonigle– Very rarely do we get a rookie who is as advertised. This year, we are blessed with two. The 21 year old was rewarded with a long term deal in the $150 million range, which will keep him in Detroit until at least 2035. McGonigle has been a little hit lucky with a .358 BABIP, but he is hitting the ball very hard with 8 XBH already. He hasn’t run much yet, but he’s not much of a burner as it is. He’ll make it his value with his bat, and at 21, the early results are keeping people happy.
JJ Wetherholt– It is my estimation that JJ has been as advertised as well, just not as lucky as McGonigle. He’s getting killed by a .235 BABIP. But he has been productive. He’s running with 4 SB, he’s got 3 bombs already. He leads off, so he’s going to get plenty of scoring opportunities, and he has already driven in 9. You’re looking at a 20/25/100/80 player. That’s a first 4 round player. That’s going to be a good asset to have on your squad. Now imagine his hitting luck normalizes…
Juan Brito– 2B isn’t a hot spot, but Brito could provide some excitement off the waiver wire. Brito was one of those prospects that got people really excited after hitting in the most hitter friendly minor league environment in Spokane. He then was then moved to the Cleveland system for Nolan Jones, who, after flaming out with Colorado, is back in the Cleveland system. Brito has had 2 XBH in his first 29 PA, but is struggling with the glove. If he can clean that part up, he’ll have a real shot to stick as Cleveland’s 2B of the future.
Konnor Griffin– He’s 19. So some struggles are expected. He hasn’t hit much yet, but he will. Everyone goes through an adjustment period. Mike Trout was awful in his first 150 PA. Give it time, keep him on your bench. You’ll be happy in June.
Carson Williams– Sometimes, guys just show they’re not ready for the majors. Williams’ debut showed that pretty clearly. He was bad with the bat, he was bad with the glove as well. And he was sent down accordingly. Williams has not shown the ability to hit at AAA for average yet. The power is there, and the speed is as well. He just needs to be able to get on base consistently. When he does, you’re looking at a potential 20/20 guy.
Sam Antonnacci– The White Sox are looking to inject a little more offense into their infield, and they think Antonnacci can do it. He’s an on base and running machine having 48 SB last year over two levels, with a 433 OBP. This year at AAA, he had a 500 OBP with 5 steals already. The White Sox want that more than they want Meidroth, who struggled for a week. This guy would be my pickup of the week. Get him on your roster and see what happens.
What about Ildamro Vargas…this guy could be a thing or no? Thank you!
Excuse me Mr. Vargas. I was unfamiliar with your game. Literally. I had never heard of the Arizona utility guy until you brought him up. He has hit safely in every game he’s played. But he’s the utility guy and they’re not going to bench Perdomo or Marte for him. The fact he’s got 2b eligibility helps, as does the fact that Carlos Santana is hurt.
Vargas is also 34 and unlikely to keep up this pace. Ride him until he burns out.