SS: Shortstop is the trickiest position of all. Even though my gut tells me it should be Eugenio Velez, just because of his great season for Augusta last year (.315/.369/.557). However, it has been pointed out, and rightfully so, that at 24, he is old for Class A. Another concern is the fact that he has played 4 seasons in the minor leagues, but had never played more than 67 games in a season until last year. These concerns will all probably be answered next year, though. Seeing as that he is on San Francisco's 40-man roster, he is likely in for a big promotion for 2007, which he desperately needs. If he has a good season in AA for Connecticut or another huge season in A+ for San Jose, he will be on the fast track to the big leagues. If he has anything less, though, his age will hold him back and he will become just another Eliezer Alfonzo drifting around the minors.
A safer bet is Tim Hutting. Splitting time between A+ San Jose and AAA Fresno, he put up a mostly average line (.266/.338/.353). Howver, he is the same age as Velez and playing at a higher level then Velez. The Baseball Cube tells us that he is a great fielder and has power, even though he only hit 5 home runs last year.
So, who will it be: Velez, Hutting, or someone else? The coming years will tell.
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