Barry Larkin on Miguel Rojas

[OnBaseMachine]

From C. Trent's morning notes:

He mentioned, in particular, shortstop Miguel Rojas, "he's special," Larkin said.

I'd heard from Todd Benzinger on the caravan that Rojas could play, defensively, in the big leagues right now and be one of the best in the game. Larkin didn't disagree.

Larkin told a story that the other day he was working on a drill with Rojas and the youngster just couldn't get it. Well, the next day Larkin comes out at 8:30 when he was scheduled to work with some of the young players. Larkin looks out and the field isn't pristine like it usually is in the morning. He asks one of the coaches if the groundskeeper had missed the field. Nope, Rojas was out at 7:30 perfecting the drill. When Larkin got with him again, he "owned that drill."

http://cnati.com/blogs/ctrent/2010/0...reds-31810.php

He also tweeted this:

Larkin also said Billy Hamilton has "game-changing speed"

http://twitter.com/cnatist10

[lollipopcurve]

Larkin told a story that the other day he was working on a drill with Rojas and the youngster just couldn't get it. Well, the next day Larkin comes out at 8:30 when he was scheduled to work with some of the young players. Larkin looks out and the field isn't pristine like it usually is in the morning. He asks one of the coaches if the groundskeeper had missed the field. Nope, Rojas was out at 7:30 perfecting the drill. When Larkin got with him again, he "owned that drill."

The anecdotes about Rojas' work ethic are starting to pile up. I like the kid's chances.

CTrent gets some good stuff, doesn't he?

[OnBaseMachine]

CTrent gets some good stuff, doesn't he?

Yes indeed. He does an excellent job.

[GIDP]

Its amazing what a writer with some ability to think can get out of people. I think C. Trent is a tool but hes the best tool Cincy fans have.

[NorrisHopper30]

Rojas doesn't ring a bell to me..when did we sign him? Or was he drafted?

[dougdirt]

Rojas doesn't ring a bell to me..when did we sign him? Or was he drafted?

Signed him in 2005. Shortstop in Dayton last year. Best defnesive shortstop in our system that is full of good defensive shortstops. I have heard some Reds employees say he has the best hands they have ever seen, and they don't mean in the minors.

[NorrisHopper30]

Signed him in 2005. Shortstop in Dayton last year. Best defnesive shortstop in our system that is full of good defensive shortstops. I have heard some Reds employees say he has the best hands they have ever seen, and they don't mean in the minors.

What about the bat?

[dougdirt]

What about the bat?

He makes a lot of contact, but he has next to no power and he won't get it in the future. He could eventually be a .280 hitter though with plus plus defense if things develop correctly for him, but his bat will never be his calling card.

[krm1580]

He makes a lot of contact, but he has next to no power and he won't get it in the future. He could eventually be a .280 hitter though with plus plus defense if things develop correctly for him, but his bat will never be his calling card.

I have not seen him. Do you think he can be a .280/.340OBA guy who might fit in the 2 hole with some base stealing/hit and run skills or is it more likely his lack of power will cause pitchers to go after him and not walk him meaning you have a #8 hitter.

.280 hitter with plus plus defense has some value. I remember the Cardinals used to have a guy like that. His name escapes me though.

[dougdirt]

I have not seen him. Do you think he can be a .280/.340OBA guy who might fit in the 2 hole with some base stealing/hit and run skills or is it more likely his lack of power will cause pitchers to go after him and not walk him meaning you have a #8 hitter.

.280 hitter with plus plus defense has some value. I remember the Cardinals used to have a guy like that. His name escapes me though.

He is probably a 7/8 hitter. I am not sure he will be able to walk 50 times a year because pitchers will likely just feed him strikes once he gets to a level where guys can throw strikes when they want to consistently. You can watch him hit below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFcWA4gzPZI

[RedsManRick]

He makes a lot of contact, but he has next to no power and he won't get it in the future. He could eventually be a .280 hitter though with plus plus defense if things develop correctly for him, but his bat will never be his calling card.

Sounds like a lot like Alcides Escobar.

[kpresidente]

C'mon, the guy has .606 career OPS and doesn't have Escobar's range. Soft hands are nice but you have to get to the ball. Rojas looks like a solid utility infielder at best.

[OnBaseMachine]

C'mon, the guy has .606 career OPS and doesn't have Escobar's range. Soft hands are nice but you have to get to the ball. Rojas looks like a solid utility infielder at best.

Who says he can't get to the ball? Everything I've read on him says he has great range. Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus describes him as having range to both sides, smooth actions, a good arm, and remarkable fundamentals.

[kpresidente]

I'm just saying compared to Escobar. When people are throwing out names like Escobar or even Ozzie Smith (!?) I think it's time for people to come back down to earth.

[GIDP]

We honestly cant be talking Alcidies Escobar