Jean Segura: Top Angels Prospect Performance #2

2) Jean Segura, 3/17/90 - 2B

.313/.365/.464 with 10 HR and 50 SB. +18 bat, +17 glove, 5.51 WAR

Segura came very close to replicating Alexia Amarista's dynamite 2009 campaign in the Midwest League, showing a tad less patience, gap power, and defense but flashing more homerun pop and speed on the bases. Unlike Amarista, he has a cannon arm, which will allow the Halos to employ his newfound defensive prowess on the left side of the infield.  Segura heated up as the season wore on, hitting .334/.370/.516 with 8 HR's from June 1st to the end of the season while thriving in the leadoff spot.  If he truly does have the actions and range to stick at short, the Angels could have a legitimate, 5-tool MLB regular on their hands capable of challenging the 2010-version of Aybar for a starting job.  If he doesn't, Segura could still evolve into Kendrick's eventual replacement: speedier and flashier with the glove, but with perhaps a tad less pop and batting average.  Either way, Segura shows a lot of promise.  The one caveat here, however, is that Segura's touted plate discipline isn't showing up so much in walks as it is in batting average, reflecting the Angels' philosophy that good pitch recognition skills manifest best in squaring up fastballs.  That could eventually limit Segura's on base percentage. Overall, he's turned into a very good prospect, and is consequently a favorite "sleeper" among the national pundits (he's no sleeper here - we've had our eye on him for over a year).