A conversation in another thread inspired this one. For the purposes of this poll, let's assume we're talking strictly about their future at 3B. I've included Edwin Encarnacion as the control element.
Edwin Encarnacion
Juan Francisco
Todd Frazier
Neftali Soto
A conversation in another thread inspired this one. For the purposes of this poll, let's assume we're talking strictly about their future at 3B. I've included Edwin Encarnacion as the control element.
I'm not a system player. I am a system.
Good topic.
I'll go with Neftali Soto - I like all four guys on this list but Soto really stands out to me. Call me crazy, but I think he's got a chance to develop into a Miguel Cabrera type of hitter. Like most young hitting prospects, Soto needs to work on his discipline but his power potential and hitting skills are top notch. I really think Soto is going to develop into something special.
Like I said though, I like all four guys listed but Soto's potential sticks out the most to me.
Went with Soto. The potential for his bat just isn't matched by anyone else listed. Defensively, only Francisco stands out and thats only because of his arm and not because of his glove/range.
I hope Soto does, but too me it's too soon to say for sure. Frazier might be a tad too soon for sure as well but he's closer IMO. I don't know if either is a gaurantee there range wise but I like Frazier's range just a tad better. Granted range isn't as big a deal at 3rd but it helps.Originally Posted by dougdirt
Francisco too me doesn't yet rate until he proves he can be more disciplined at the plate and isn't likely to rate at 3B anyway due to his growing lack of range.
Edwin well he has only 1 problem to figure out defensively and probably only 1 more season left to figure it out, his odds are getting pretty slim at this point, although I haven't yet given up on him completely. He is thee most ideal solution assuming he figures it out.
I voted Frazier.
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."
--Woody Hayes
EE for me. defensively, He'll benefit from any solid defender at SS, 2007 was proof enough for me on that. Offensively, he had three brilliant months in 2008. I see him progressing at the plate, and 2009 could be his breakthrough year. At a comparable age to the other three, EE was already a major leaguer.
Dubito Ergo Cogito Ergo Sum.
I went with Francisco. The ball just jumps off this kids bat. He could be the Reds next 40 homer guy now that Dunn's gone.
I went with Francisco just b/c I think his bat will trump his defensive shortcomings @ 3B.
I'm not sure all the others have the bat to outweigh their defense.
Neither Frazier nor Soto project as the defensive liabilities that you make them out to be IMO. They'll never win a Gold Glove but they won't kill you over there either. We've already read that Frazier played well at 3B during the HWL. On Soto, Kevin Goldstein says he has good hands at third base and a cannon for an arm. He did say he'll need to improve his range to his left, though.
Last edited by OnBaseMachine; 12-01-2008 at 09:17 PM.
Loser wins a catcher's mitt
That's the $64,000 question. At this point, though, I don't think any answer is worth a nickel. You could make a compelling case for each, as I'm sure somebody will.
It'll be interesting to see if there's a consensus, though. I doubt there will be.
This is an interesting question. I'm going with Frazier though.
I assume we're talking defense here.
Edwin.
I still think the guy will develop into a dependable defender, and none of the other three has established he can play a major league 3B. The best minor league accolade has gone to Francisco (best defensive 3B in the FSL, per BA), so he's the runner up.
No, I'm talking about all-around player. Obviously the guy has to be able to play enough defense to stick at 3B, so if you don't think a guy can do that, then he doesn't have much of a future at the position, but for the purposes of this poll pretend all four got moved around to different teams, which one would you want to keep as your 3B?
I'm not a system player. I am a system.
I've been on the Edwin bandwagon for a few years now but I think I would take Frazier. I still like Edwin but every time I say he could be dependable at 3rd he throws the ball into the dugout. He's starting to make me look worse than Chris Sabo with a broken bat.
I voted Soto. Frazier is very close but he can also go to left field and already plays it. Francisco has Mike Schmidt ceiling but Willie Mo floor. EE, frankly I'm losing patience with but I don't really think he's terrible but these younger guys have the allure of their ceiling yet while we're seeing more and more where EE is likely to be, which imo is a decent but not great player.
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