CF Javier Rodriguez –R/R– 6’2” 165 lbs - 2^nd rd 2008 - 4/4/90

.193/.258/.237 – 3 2B, 1 HR, 10 BB, 27 K – 135 AB, 38 G

Sure, he didn’t hit as an 18-yeard in the GCL in his first exposure to professional baseball, but Rodriguez, who was a surprise as a second-round pick, is a tremendous athlete. Not just lanky, but truly skinny, Rodriguez covers a lot of ground in centerfield with his plus speed. There were times, he took better routes at noon in the GCL game than Ezequiel Carrera took at night in the FSL. He has more than enough arm for center. Obviously, at some point, he’ll have to hit.

Projected 2009 Start: XST followed by Kingsport

RF Cesar Puello – R/R – 6’2” 195 – NDFA – 4/1/91

.305/.350/.364 – 6 2B, 1 HR, 5 BB, 32 K, 13/18 SB – 151 AB, 40 G

I was a little surprised when I first saw Puello. He’s not built like the typical 17-year-old baseball player from the Domincan Republic. Nope, he’s got some strength and size in his chest and arms. He hasn’t turned that muscular frame into power yet, but he was just 17. Instead, he showed a really nice feel for the barrel of the bat which he was able to translate into line drives into both gaps. He didn’t use his lower half much for power, but when he integrates that into his swing, he will start driving the ball more.

Projected 2009 Start: Savannah