Watchlist: Third Basemen

Stephen King Stephen King
DOB: 10/2/87
Ht. 6′ 2″
Wt. 195
Bats: R
Throws: R
Career Stats
Four years removed from top-10 status as a
prospect, King spent the 2010 season serving
his 50-game PED suspension then stepping
back to SS-A Vermont and working his way
back to Low-A Hagerstown. Injuries have
dogged him throughout his career, but he’s
shown flashes of brilliance that hint at the
five-tool label he was given out of H.S.
Likely to begin 2011 at Potomac.
Steven Souza Steven Souza
DOB: 4/24/89
Ht. 6′ 3″
Wt. 205
Bats: R
Throws: R
Career Stats
Souza showed great promise early (5HR in
May), which earned him a trip to the Sally
League All-Star game but struggled in June
(.176/.247/.284) before starting to recover
in July. Unfortunately, that’s when the PED
suspension hit and the 21-year-old’s season
was over. His FIL invite puts him on our
watchlist and at just 22, he’s too young to
put the tines in the spine and say he’s done.
Blake Kelso Blake Kelso
DOB: 3/28/89
Ht. 5′ 10″
Wt. 170
Bats: R
Throws: R
Career Stats
Listed here as a 3B due to his usage in
Vermont, like most of the Nats’ left-side IF
prospects, he’s also played SS. Andy Seiler
described him as “a slick-fielding middle
infielder that has the tools of a utility player,
but [the] work ethic of a starting shortstop
[and] runs and fields well.” Hit .309/.362/.373
for Vermont with 10 steals in 61 games.

No Photo Found
Bienvenido Valdez
DOB: 4/2/90
Ht. 6′
Wt. 180
Bats: R
Throws: R
Career Stats
Like many of the Dominican prospects,
Valdez played multiple positions but 3B was
what he played the most. Makes our watchlist
for his walk rate and slugging percentage,
both of which were third-best behind older
(*ahem*) guys on the team. Not to be
confused with two-years younger Jean Carlos,
but I suspect the tandem will be sent to the
GCL in 2011.

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