Many of you may already know this, but I was looking at a couple old BA Prospect Handbooks, and they were raving about this guy. Said he was a 5-tool guy in the mold of Barry Larkin or Derek Jeter. Said he was fast, had good range, a cannon arm, very quick hands, and developing power. He was the top prospect with Montreal and Cleveland for 2 straight years.

In 2002 at age 21, he hit .302 for AA and AAA. He hit 18 hrs. He was rushed big-time in 2003 to the majors. He had a rough year. Said pitchers found a hole in his swing. The next year in AAA, he hit .296 with 44 BB's and 56 SO's in 551 AB's. He made big improvements in his swing that year.

Apparently, his cockiness annoys opponents. He is a great teammate and has a tremendous attitude during even the tough times and always plays great defense.

By all accounts, this was a great sign. He could very well be a Felipe Lopez this year. Tons of talent and the intangibles!!!