By Adam Forsyth
The Deep
Desmond Jennings – Outfield (CF)
Tampa Bay has been turning into quite a factory of talent in recent years after struggling season after season in the AL East.
Kudos to their scouting team for getting this Alabama talent in the 10th round as Jennings could get the call-up the moment the major league rosters expand in September.
Now, it’s not to get excited as he will probably not get much exposure with the Rays battling the BoSox and Rangers for the AL Wild Card; however, he will at least get his first exposure of major league talent and could surprise some owners.
Blessed with natural speed and a great approach when on base, this contact hitter is a prototypical leadoff hitter as he rarely strikes out and gets on base with regularity. (.386 minor league OBP) A shift to RF may be in order, as BJ Upton plays a steady CF; however, Jennings may have the upside to push his way to a starting day roster next season. Won’t hit for power, but can use his wheels to turn a single into a double and a double into three bases.
Injuries are a bit of a concern, as he hasn’t been able to complete either of the past two seasons, dealing with shoulder and knee injuries. As his body gets more acclimated to playing such a long season; hopefully the wear and tear will be more absorbed by his body.
The DYNASTY
Pedro Alvarez – Third Base
After struggling a bit in High-A-Lynchburg through 66 games, the Pittsburgh Pirates former number two overall pick was still accelerated to the AA-Altoona Curve to continue his progression to the major league.
Since the promotion, it appears that his bat made the trip as he is posting a dramatic increase at the plate that has some believing he may get a shot to show his stuff this season when September opens up rosters. The Pirates continue to decimate their roster and completed their fire sale at the deadline this season leaving only one roster player from their 2008 opening day roster (Ryan Doumit) and pinning their future hopes on a pair of young stud OF’s (McCutchen and Lastings Milledge) to pull them out of this dismal run.
You can add this New York born and raised talent in their resurrection as Alvarez will bring a steady glove, a touch of power and a keen eye at the plate each and every day to the ballpark. He is a contact hitter with some extra base power and should hit for average at the pro level. Considering he is 22-years old, the opportunity for him to make the Pirates squad out of spring training as their starting hot corner man is more probable than giving Andy LaRoche another full season to come through on his “he’s got talent, he’s gotta produce” history.
