Four position players waiting to get their shot in the bigs, whom I believe have a shot to challenge for playing time next season.
1. Pablo Sandoval catcher-Everyone has been watching this 21 year old rip in San Jose this year hitting close to .400 early in the season and keeping a high average since, even after moving across the country to play AA with the Defenders.In addition to his bat he is getting strong reviews as a backstop. Leader and suppose to handle pitchers well.
His hitting jumps off the page.
San Jose (A) .359 12Hr 25-dlbs 59RBis
Conn. (AA) .326 3hr 7-dbls 14RBis
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total: .351 15hrs 32dbls 73 RBIs
AAA callup soon? A Sept callup after going back to the San Jose club to get playoff experience.
1. Rohlinger 3b-This is the guy who was hitting lights out early in spring training. He cooled later, but was the talk of the first half of the camp. He is suppose to have an excellent glove at third. Numbers are not as impressive as Pablo's but still strong.
San Jose: .285 7hr 46 RBI's
Conn: .309 3hr 9RBis
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totals .291 10 hr 55 Rbis and 22 doubles
Travis Ishikawa- this guy has been known for his defense and athletic abilities since he was a low round bonus kid signed a few years back. Most people gave up on him due to a horrible 07 season but has bounced back with a solid start in AA ball in Conn, and now playing for Fresno doing even better then AA ball.
Nate Schirholtz-has been on the fans radar since hitting .333 last year in Fresno. Thought to be the calllup before Lewis or Bowker. Not to be. He has a great arm and good range. Whats impressive bout Nate is his good speed on the base paths having 9 triples to go along with his 16 doubles and 12 homers. He has 55 RBis. hitting .301 for the season.
No doubt that all four of these guys will see some time up in the majors. The question is, when and will it be enough to evaluate if they might challenge for the 09 season. If Sabean does his job we might see the following lineup sometime during this season.
Buriss ss (23)
Velez 2b (27)
Lewis lf (27)
Rowand cf (31)
Sandaval c (21)
Schirholtz rf (24)
Rohlinger 3b (23)
Ishikawa 1b (24)
What I like about this lineup is the doubles and triples potential. This lineup would be built for AT&T park. I believe if u combine doubles and triples everyone of those guys above would have over 25 in combined stats.
Now that lineup would be fun, with some pretty good defense and speed throughout the lineup. Velez of course a weak link in the d. The outfield can move. Bowker the lone guy out, but he can rotate with Lewis and Nate.
Notice I have not mentioned how to get rid of Vizquel, Winn, Roberts, Durham, Castillo or Aurilia. And I am not suggesting we trade Molina just yet. The others I have no clue nor I'm sure Sabean has since he has been trying for a months now. Most likely all or most stay. The guys above just might be Sept 1 callups.
