Sure, he's been projected as little more than a fourth OF for years, but I've always loved this guy's skills. Seriously never thought he'd respond this remarkably after destroying his shoulder in a head-on collision at home plate during winter ball in late 2009.
Pasadena born-and-raised, college at Loyola Marymount, we have every reason to love this guy. Plays all three outfield positions, with the speed to ultimately offer plus defense at the corners. In his first call-up, he didn't wither, but went two for seven, with two runs scored.
MiLB record: .313/.395/.501 -- in '07 this guy tore up A-ball with 44 doubles, 18 HRs while putting up 101 runs and 30 steals -- all in 133 games. Broke his foot in 2008 and struggled, but returned in 2009 to put up a solid .386 OBP with the trademark mix of doubles, steals and excellent run conversion at Salt Lake.
He's not a true power prospect, but could be a legitimate top-of-the-order threat, given his mix of contact skills and patience. Eight Angels have more plate appearances than him this spring, but he leads the team in OBP (.474), walks (7 against 4 strikeouts), third in runs scored behind Trumbo and Fleet Pete. In fact, he and Bourjos have really been leading the attack this spring.
Just dreamin' on another dubious DaVanon? Or could he be the leadoff threat that has eluded us since Figgins split? Will we ever know, with Money-Burnin' Vernon blocking him for the foreseeable future?
