Prospect Profile: Chris Valaika

[Orenda]

Anybody else disappointed in Valaika's development? Since he arrived in Louisville his slugging has decreased and his patience at the plate has failed to improve. After his 2008 season in AA, it seemed possible that he might have enough bat to be a ML regular. Hopefully he can still become that but IMO his numbers suggest he could be another out machine.

[gedred69]

Anybody else disappointed in Valaika's development? Since he arrived in Louisville his slugging has decreased and his patience at the plate has failed to improve. After his 2008 season in AA, it seemed possible that he might have enough bat to be a ML regular. Hopefully he can still become that but IMO his numbers suggest he could be another out machine.

Consider last year,---his year to make the big step, he tried to play with a bum hand. Once he DL'ed and returned, he hit much better, and has been no slouch this year. He should be the best MLB ready guy on the 40 man, and maybe we'll know yes or no soon.

[GOYA]

Consider last year,---his year to make the big step, he tried to play with a bum hand. Once he DL'ed and returned, he hit much better, and has been no slouch this year. He should be the best MLB ready guy on the 40 man, and maybe we'll know yes or no soon.

Tried to play with a bum hand? Not even close.

Valaika had trouble making the adjustment to hitting in AAA and he took his frustration out on a water cooler in the dugout. He broke his hand in the process and immediately went on the DL.

[Orenda]

Consider last year,---his year to make the big step, he tried to play with a bum hand. Once he DL'ed and returned, he hit much better, and has been no slouch this year. He should be the best MLB ready guy on the 40 man, and maybe we'll know yes or no soon.

Fair enough. I take it you've seen more of him than I have.

Much like Juan Francisco, when looking at Chris's 19 bb's in 459 plate appearances I wonder if he'll be susceptible to chasing pitches he can't drive.

[Mario-Rijo]

Anybody else disappointed in Valaika's development? Since he arrived in Louisville his slugging has decreased and his patience at the plate has failed to improve. After his 2008 season in AA, it seemed possible that he might have enough bat to be a ML regular. Hopefully he can still become that but IMO his numbers suggest he could be another out machine.

While true and I'd hoped he would eventually take to walking more he's at least decent at making contact and seems to have a knack for hitting for avg at least. I don't think he's completely done getting stronger though, probably a late bloomer. He could be a potential avg starter in 2 years though with more value at the plate than in the field.