A few random thoughts for Sunday:
Ken Rosenthal had a couple of interesting notes up today. Some comments:
**It seems increasingly likely that Jesus Montero will open 2011 as the Russ Martin's backup catcher. Given what Yankees Vice President Mark Newman told me a couple of weeks ago, I doubt the Yankees would do this unless they were planning on Montero seeing significant at-bats as a DH. It wouldn't make sense to burn a year of service time otherwise, adding in the risk of hurting his development by sitting him on the bench.
**Chone Figgins compares Seattle Mariners prospect Dustin Ackley to a "more athletic" version of former major league second baseman Todd Walker. Walker was a career .289/.348/.435 hitter but his lack of strong defensive skills kept him bouncing around major league rosters. Walker is a great candidate for a Career Profile and I'll put that on the schedule for later in the week. I think Ackley's upside is a bit higher but I can see where Figgins is coming from: Ackley is a left-handed line drive hitter who projects gap power, like Walker had, although I think Ackley's plate discipline is better.
**Interesting piece about Houston Astros pitching prospect Mike Foltynewicz, who is impressive enough in spring camp that he might get assigned to High-A Lancaster to begin the year, less than one season removed from high school. That seems like a very aggressive posting to me, and I suspect he'll actually begin at Low-A Lexington. The Astros are well-aware of Lancaster's effects and skipped Jordan Lyles past that level last year.
**Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Charlie Blackmon is having an impressive spring thus far: 8-for-25 (.320) with five walks, a double, triple, homer, and a stolen base. I was impressed with him in Double-A and again in the Arizona Fall League last year. He's a good athlete with multiple skills including some power, speed, and decent patience, and I don't think he get as much attention as he deserves. I think he can be a good fourth outfielder at worst and there is a chance he can develop beyond that.
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