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6) Luis Jimenez, 1/18/88 - 3B, Single A, High A
.288/.326/.506 with 14 HR and 21 SB. +8 bat, +16 glove, 3.85 WAR
Booyaaaaah! - who saw that +16 glove coming? Especially from a player returning from career threatening shoulder surgery who was handled with kid gloves through the first half? Jimenez showed great instincts, lateral range, and a cannon arm at third in 2010, making him the closest in-system candidate to giving the Angels a little help at third base. He's a fantastic presence in the clubhouse, so gregarious that Eddie Bane began referring to him as "the mayor" in spring training last year. It's unclear if that tag has won out over his rookie ball nickname, "Lucho." All that said, his bat comes with some questions: how much longer will his high contact rate carry him if he doesn't develop better plate discipline? Will he rediscover the homerun pop that made him stand out in rookie ball, even as he moves into the upper minors? Will he hit righties well enough to play against them everyday? Unfortunately, Jimenez didn't get a chance to begin answering those questions in winter ball, since I suspect Wood's placement in the AFL robbed Jimenez of the opportunity to play there. The big Arkansas park will be a challenge for him. A big contract to Adrian Beltre would be an even bigger challenge to him.
0 recs | 10 comments
HAHA! Lucho's definitely one of my favorites. Tragic he didn't crack my top 10
Halowood - November 8, 2010
...and if he teams up with McAnulty
it’s “Lucho” and “Luncho”
mustard_man - November 8, 2010
The tag takes u to the Nationals 28 yr old Luis Jimenez
Wearing a Sux hat. :(
K3YEROUT - November 8, 2010 via mobile
Heh
No way to avoid it – that Jimenez in the system, this one is not. It autotags him no matter what. Go here for more info.
rghan - November 8, 2010
Yeah, I didn’t think you did…no worries
K3YEROUT - November 8, 2010
Sorry, no link
Here for better info. Link above now works too
rghan - November 9, 2010
Beltre can DH after 2012/2013 if this kid is ready.
Commander_Nate - November 8, 2010
I wouldn't really worry about it just yet. Jimenez has some big steps to take before we consider that.
HE and Beltre are very similar players except by the time Beltre was Luis’ age, he was already playing at Dodger Stadium. Luis needs to develop some patience and discipline at the plate and he needs to stop trying to pull every ball. The talent is seriously there, he could eventually be Adrian Beltre, but he’s had 3-4 years now to learn some of the key traits to being a successful hitter and they simply have not stuck.
I could understand if this was a young Vladdy, where he was so good coaches didn’t bother even trying to change him. But in Luis’ case, he either needs to change or he’ll likely never be a major leaguer. AA and AAA pitchers will take advantage of his shortcomings in a manner which A ball pitcher can’t.
Halowood - November 8, 2010
I hate assigning the DH spot
2 or 3 years in advance assuming a player’s defensive decline. who’s to say Trumbo won’t be mashing and be a viable DH by then, with Kendry entrenched at 1st? or who’s to say Napoli won’t be the best DH option then, assuming he’s still on the team? not to mention other free agent mashers this team picks up in the coming years.
also, one of the best things about Beltre is his defense, so the idea of assigning him as the DH of the future makes me wary of signing him at all. Beltre’s value is because he plays 3B. if in 2 or 3 years he is only a DH then that will be a problem.
2pintsofbooze - November 8, 2010
This 3B situation with the Angels is getting complicated.
I don’t think the Angels want to pay Beltre/Borasssss; I wouldn’t either.
These are currently mentioned options.
Contractually, we’re set for the next two years with Izturis and Callaspo (even Wood is in the wings), awaiting the possible arrival of Jimenez, and ultimately Cowert.
What do you do, punt?
wumbug - November 12, 2010
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