Spencer Fordin (along with Tony LaCava and Dick Scott) looks at Alexis Rios in his newest article on MLB.com.
Thanks to Homsar for the heads-up!
Thanks to Homsar for the heads-up!
In other news, Guillermo Quiroz was the Player of the Week in the Venezuelan League. He's second in the league in home runs.
"I hate to make comparisons. I think it's unfair to do so, either to the prospect or the player you're comparing him to," said LaCava. "I can tell you this, though. I see him as a complete player. He does everything you're looking for. If there's a shortcoming, I haven't seen it yet."
I still remember J.P.'s long pause when he was stumped for a Rios comparison in our interview. All the others came rapid-fire, but even after thinking about it, he didn't come up with a name, admitting only that it was a tough one. My impression was that he was reluctant to compare Lexi to a superstar after a few great months in Double-A, though he did call Quiroz, "a little bit of Pudge Rodriguez, some Jason Varitek."
I still remember J.P.'s long pause when he was stumped for a Rios comparison in our interview. All the others came rapid-fire, but even after thinking about it, he didn't come up with a name, admitting only that it was a tough one. My impression was that he was reluctant to compare Lexi to a superstar after a few great months in Double-A, though he did call Quiroz, "a little bit of Pudge Rodriguez, some Jason Varitek."
There are rumblings that Rios might be good enough defensively to push Vernon Wells into a corner slot, but that's completely unsubstantiated at the moment.
Spencer's been hanging out at Da Box. :-) Great article, and very exciting reviews. Rios, unfortunately, is like a Christmas present we can't open till at least next December -- we're going to have to somehow contain our enthusiasm till then. I'd hate for his head to be turned by press clippings, especially ours. Stay the course, Lexi.
Spencer's been hanging out at Da Box. :-) Great article, and very exciting reviews. Rios, unfortunately, is like a Christmas present we can't open till at least next December -- we're going to have to somehow contain our enthusiasm till then. I'd hate for his head to be turned by press clippings, especially ours. Stay the course, Lexi.
I have a fearless prediction. I hate making these, and I usually look foolish, but I'm going to anyway.
Rios is going to destroy AAA after a slowish April start. I'm talking .340 with power... by August, the Jays are going to have to make a radical sort of move, because Gabe Gross will already be in Toronto to cloud the OF picture and Rios will be dominating the IL.
There, I've said it. No pressure!
Rios is going to destroy AAA after a slowish April start. I'm talking .340 with power... by August, the Jays are going to have to make a radical sort of move, because Gabe Gross will already be in Toronto to cloud the OF picture and Rios will be dominating the IL.
There, I've said it. No pressure!
Craig - I agree.
I see a Frankie Cat for pitching help deal at the deadline, no question.
I see a Frankie Cat for pitching help deal at the deadline, no question.
I agree completely with the organization's approach to Rios. They've set exactly the right tone: respect for his abilities while challenging him to improve what he can improve. It would be a good idea for Mike Barnett to spend some quality time with Lexi in Dunedin this March, and I am quite sure that the organization already has this planned.
I don't know if this belongs under the heading "The Future", but Pond, Simon Pond is hitting .290/.366/.600 for Santurce in the Puerto Rican Winter League in 100ABs, including 9 dingers.
O Canada, the home of Stubby Clapp and stubby beer bottles.
O Canada, the home of Stubby Clapp and stubby beer bottles.
It would be a good idea for Mike Barnett to spend some quality time with Lexi in Dunedin this March
Spring training will also be Rios' first prolonged exposure to Carlos Delgado's work habits, which combine intensity with fun. It will only help Lexi's development if the superstar takes his young countryman under his wing.
Simon Pond obviously has way more power than Howie Clark, with just as good an eye, so if "lefty bat off the bench" is considered a more important position than "third lefty reliever" when they break camp, he has a chance to be a Fighting Jay. At Pond's age, with prospects rapidly advancing through the system, his future is more like a window of opportunity left open just a crack.
Spring training will also be Rios' first prolonged exposure to Carlos Delgado's work habits, which combine intensity with fun. It will only help Lexi's development if the superstar takes his young countryman under his wing.
Simon Pond obviously has way more power than Howie Clark, with just as good an eye, so if "lefty bat off the bench" is considered a more important position than "third lefty reliever" when they break camp, he has a chance to be a Fighting Jay. At Pond's age, with prospects rapidly advancing through the system, his future is more like a window of opportunity left open just a crack.
Pond better sneak in during his window of opportunity before the Jays realize that he is Luis Lopez!
Delgado as a role model for Rios? Perfect, Coach.
There's another good reason to see if a long-term deal can be swung with Carlos at some point.
There's another good reason to see if a long-term deal can be swung with Carlos at some point.