How good is he right now and what sort of potential do we all see in him. He has one of the smoothest swings in baseball and is now over .300. He isn't a powerhitter but he looks like he could really bulk up a ton. He is honestly my favorite blue jay right now.
Juan Gonzalez
Vladimir Guerrero
Dave Winfield (baseballamerica.com)
He is probably the best player the Jays have right now. He's 23 years old and is hitting over .300 in his first 60 games (around .390 in the last 30 games) . Has little power right now, but it looks like in a couple years he can bulk up and become a guy that destroys the cover off the ball because he seems to get a lot of bat on it every time. He's already being noticed by guys like Joe Torre for his wicked arm in RF. Rios also has great speed for a big guy (6'5").
Personally, I think he's going to be one of the best outfielders in baseball in a few years... a guy capable of hitting 30+ homeruns when he's bulked up, drive in 100+ runs, steal 30+ bases, hit well above .300, and become one of the best defensive players in the game with his cannon of an arm.
He won't be as good when he starts seeing some pitchers the second time around. Just like Hinske and Phelps.
He may end up a VERY good player, but he'll probably get a bit worse in the mean time.
Hinske or Phelps were never as good of contact hitters as Rios is right now. Rios is currently probably one of the best Jays hitters with two strikes. Whats impressive is that for such a young guy he's making pitchers throw to him. He's got a great eye and he's very patient. He also takes the ball to both fields. He's just the complete package as a hitter.
You are right though, his next test will be when he starts to see teams the second time around, once pitchers develop a bit of a book on him. Then we can see how he adjusts. But personally, I think he'll adjust just fine.
Have I ever been impressed by this guy though, wow.
Hinske or Phelps were never as good of contact hitters as Rios is right now. Rios is currently probably one of the best Jays hitters with two strikes. Whats impressive is that for such a young guy he's making pitchers throw to him. He's got a great eye and he's very patient. He also takes the ball to both fields. He's just the complete package as a hitter.
You are right though, his next test will be when he starts to see teams the second time around, once pitchers develop a bit of a book on him. Then we can see how he adjusts. But personally, I think he'll adjust just fine.
Have I ever been impressed by this guy though, wow.
If anything his biggest weakness by FAR is his patience and and strike zone judgement. He does not walk, never has and likely never will. That is really his main flaw.
You are right about adjustments though. This is why certain players struggle and it really can't be compared when one or two guys regress after seeing the same pitching the second time around when another guy continues his progression. So far basing it on a very small sample, Rios has done very well. He's batting something like .380 after seeing the same pitcher the second time. That stat maybe misleading but it's all we can go by at this point and time. Also as leafholix implies, those other guys were not the prospect Rios is.
Last edited by in the hall: 08-03-2004 at 01:35 PM.
He should be in AAA right now working on his power stroke, but man has he showed potential. He shoots the ball to the whole field and he's got a cannon in right. I think the comparison to Juan Gonzalez is a good one (except I doubt Alex will have the power Juan did.)
He should be in AAA right now working on his power stroke, but man has he showed potential. He shoots the ball to the whole field and he's got a cannon in right. I think the comparison to Juan Gonzalez is a good one (except I doubt Alex will have the power Juan did.)
There are few/no 6'5", 190 pound 20-somethings that can hit for power in the MLB.
Playing in AAA will actually do nothing for him physically, it's not a problem with his power, the problem is that he's too lanky. If he gets stronger and bulks up, he'll hit for more power.
like Mauer's will, his power stroke will come - that is absolutely NO reason to keep him from the major leagues, obviously as he has proved, he is ready
the only real concerns that might have kept him away from the majors are his defense and strike zone judgement but some prospects just have it
What about the suggestions that he could push Vernon out of centre? Sound accurate?
Vernon is a very good defensive player where as Rios leaves some to be desired, he has the glove, range (surprising for a big guy) and arm but a bit "young" I guess
if you mean the implication of him being a outstanding defensive player, it's more he is an outstanding defensive "prospect", he isn't there right now
Vernon is a very good defensive player where as Rios leaves some to be desired, he has the glove, range (surprising for a big guy) and arm but a bit "young" I guess
if you mean the implication of him being a outstanding defensive player, it's more he is an outstanding defensive "prospect", he isn't there right now
Rios has shown over the last 2 months that he is an outstanding defensive MLB player.
He honestly leaves nothing to be desired. Rios has 4 assists in his first 59 MLB games. He makes spectacular plays in right field and has great range. His speed is tremendous for a 6'5" player.
I can't seem to find anything wrong with his defensive game. He's not a Gold Glove candidate to say the least... but he's only 23 years old and that aspect of his game can only improve.
The kid seriously reminds me of Ichiroooooooooo. High standards, yes I know. But... high batting average. No power. Very fast and agile. Has a decent arm in the outfield. Makes an honest effort everytime the ball is hit his way.
