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Grichuk-Trout combo — glimpse of future?
July 6th, 2009, 3:38 pm · 8 Comments · posted by BILL PLUNKETT, OCREGISTER.COM
The Angels’ two first-round draft picks — outfielders Randal Grichuk and Mike Trout — combined to go 8 for 9 with five RBI and five runs scored for the Angels’ Arizona Summer League team Sunday night. Of course, there were plenty of hits to go around. The Tempe Angels had 25 in an 18-3 rout of the Rangers’ affiliate.
In his professional debut, Trout was 2 for 2 with a single and a triple and four walks.
Grichuk was 6 for 7 with three doubles, four RBI and a stolen base. It was Grichuk’s first big day as a pro but continued a warming trend for the teenager. He is 10 for17 over his past four games, raising his average to .342 in that time.
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A few other Tempe notes:
* Tempe has the best record in the league at 8-3. They lead the league in AVG at .298 and … wait for it, statheads … WALKS. They also lead the league in ERA at 3.00.
* 2007 1st round (supplemental) pick Jon Bachanov is pitching again after Tommy John surgery. His efforts to date have all been relief appearances of 1 to 2 innings every four or five days. Five innings in total so far, his best outing yesterday in the Ranger rout (2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 3 K , 0 BB).
* 20-year old switch-hitting shortstop Jean Almanzar is batting .433 (13 for 30) with a .486 OBP.
* 19 year old RHP Fabio Martinez Mesa is making an early impression. In 12 IP, 19 K, 7 BB, 2.25 ERA.
The cynic in me says Grichuk and Trout will reach Triple-A in three years, and then, in Woodesque fashion, will be stuck in Salt Lake for three years.
That’s a pretty aggressive timeline don’t you think? Considering that they are only recent high school grads and have to rise through the following levels:
Rookie
LoA
HiA
AA
AAA
If they make it AAA by 2013 their development will be on target to reach the majors by 2016. High School players have 4 years before they must added to the 40 man roster. So hitting AAA in their 5th season coincides with a 40 man roster promotion. There are then 3 option years after that where the team can move them between the majors and minors. So if they hit AAA in 3 years, then either the Angels scouting or their farm system is just stupendous, because I figure they will most likely be in Rancho Cucamonga in 3 years. Brandon Wood is in his 7th minor league season. He too was drafted out of high school,. He will most definitely be on the 25 man roster next season because the Angels run out of options on him after this season. His development is right on target too.
Great news about the kids doing so well and allows management to take some chances and trade players in the pipeline while these guys develop. Aybar is going to get moved and so might Kendrick. If Kendrick is hitting he’ll stay at second and Izturis will move to short with Wood getting called up. If Kendrick is struggling they will move him too and move Wood to short. The next 30 days is going to be important for Wood. Could go from oblivion to starting shortstop soon.
Wood is not a major league shortstop. I don’t get why Angel fans are down on Aybar? He makes plays no one else comes close to. The other night Izzy dives for a ball and saves a run and I’m thinking wow Aybar makes that play without diving AND gets the out at first. Does Aybar have Vlad disease (allergic to walking) Yes. But make no mistake his defensive value is off the charts. The Angels are not gonna pay Figgins what he wants at his age and Wood will get his shot at 3rd Base. Izturis is exactly what he is; a VERY GOOD utility player.
I think its safe to say our offense has reached a point where they can carry a great glove at the most important infield position. I think an Aybar/Izzy platoon for the rest of the year will be just fine. But isn’t it time to admit Howie isn’t getting it done right now and give Brandon Wood his chance? Stick Figgins at second, Wood at third and see what you got.
Wow Carlos
You gave Howie 3 whole games before deciding “he isn’t getting it done”. That was awful patient of you. You might want to give him a few more games before you release him.
Tempe Angels lost 3-2 last night to Phoenix A’s. Mike Trout 3-5 with triple and double. Randal Grichuk 0-5 with three strikeouts. Starting pitcher Pilljoon Jang gave up one run on three hits in 6 1/3 innings with six strikeouts and one walk.