Loading ...Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus mentions Reds minor league third baseman Juan Francisco in his latest “Future Shock” column (subscription needed but it’s worth it with BP):
Last year, as a 20-year-old prospect, Francisco led the Midwest League with 25 home runs, but the holes in his game were readily apparent, namely some rough defense and a disturbingly poor approach that led to 161 strikeouts and just 23 walks. In the Florida State League opener, Francisco didn’t go deep, but he did hit the ball hard, pasting a trio of doubles, including two off of a more famous Francisco-–a rehabbing Francisco Liriano of the Twins. Francisco’s kind of power is very hard to find, and if he can polish up the rough edges, the Reds might really have something here.
Here’s hoping Francisco can cut the strikeouts, boost the walks, and continue to mash the ball this year.
Maybe if he can’t work out his defensive woes at 3B the Reds can move him into our supposed “glut” of outfielders.