Randar68
09-24-2001, 02:49 PM
From BA's top 20 prospects in the Arizona Rookie League...(Nice to see a few positional prospects getting some acclaim...)
3 ANDY GONZALEZ, ss
White Sox
Six-foot-4 shortstops are still a rare breed, but every Arizona League manager believes Gonzalez will remain at the position because of his lean and athletic frame.
"He's got the arm and range, and the ball jumps off his bat," Brewers manager Carlos Lezcano said. "He needs to mature a little bit because he doesn't play at 100 percent all the time"
Gonzalez has a chance to be an offensive force, as he hit five homers and drives balls well to the gaps. He's by no means a complete player, however.
"He needs work on his throwing motion," Cubs manager Carmelo Martinez said, "but he runs well and has good hands."
7 ANTHONY WEBSTER, of
White Sox
A 15th-round pick in June, Webster made a strong impression on every manager. He showed every tool except arm strength, and his exceptional speed compensates for that shortcoming. He covers a lot of ground on defense and charges balls well.
His speed also enables him to be a flashy leadoff hitter. The White Sox are working hard at getting Webster to bunt the ball more to take advantage of his wheels.
"He's very raw," Munoz said, "but he's got tools. I was impressed with the way he hits lefthanded pitching so well, which is unusual for a first-year guy."
13 AARON KIRKLAND, rhp
White Sox
Undrafted after going 5-5, 5.70 as a senior at Troy State, Kirkland led the league in ERA, saves and opponent's batting average (.158). His most eye-popping stat, however, was his zero unintentional walks in 62 innings.
He was one of the league's older players at 22, but his numbers made an impression. Kirkland throws a darting slider and a 90-91 mph fastball.
"He's a strike-throwing machine," Hairston said. "He doesn't throw that hard now, but he has a good frame and should throw harder as he adds weight. I can see him maybe throwing 92-93 one day. He's a sleeper, a great find."
3 ANDY GONZALEZ, ss
White Sox
Six-foot-4 shortstops are still a rare breed, but every Arizona League manager believes Gonzalez will remain at the position because of his lean and athletic frame.
"He's got the arm and range, and the ball jumps off his bat," Brewers manager Carlos Lezcano said. "He needs to mature a little bit because he doesn't play at 100 percent all the time"
Gonzalez has a chance to be an offensive force, as he hit five homers and drives balls well to the gaps. He's by no means a complete player, however.
"He needs work on his throwing motion," Cubs manager Carmelo Martinez said, "but he runs well and has good hands."
7 ANTHONY WEBSTER, of
White Sox
A 15th-round pick in June, Webster made a strong impression on every manager. He showed every tool except arm strength, and his exceptional speed compensates for that shortcoming. He covers a lot of ground on defense and charges balls well.
His speed also enables him to be a flashy leadoff hitter. The White Sox are working hard at getting Webster to bunt the ball more to take advantage of his wheels.
"He's very raw," Munoz said, "but he's got tools. I was impressed with the way he hits lefthanded pitching so well, which is unusual for a first-year guy."
13 AARON KIRKLAND, rhp
White Sox
Undrafted after going 5-5, 5.70 as a senior at Troy State, Kirkland led the league in ERA, saves and opponent's batting average (.158). His most eye-popping stat, however, was his zero unintentional walks in 62 innings.
He was one of the league's older players at 22, but his numbers made an impression. Kirkland throws a darting slider and a 90-91 mph fastball.
"He's a strike-throwing machine," Hairston said. "He doesn't throw that hard now, but he has a good frame and should throw harder as he adds weight. I can see him maybe throwing 92-93 one day. He's a sleeper, a great find."