For an organization that’s sorely lacking upper-level position prospects, flipping a journeyman 35-year-old utility player for 23-year-old AA outfielder ain’t so bad.
Maybe that’s too sunny for the rest of the Natmosphere, but I’m here to give you the cheese, not the whine.
Erik Komatsu is a short, stocky (college 5’10”, 190 lbs) outfielder that most scouting services project as a fourth outfielder. He’s a high-contact batter (more walks than strikeouts this season and last) with gap power but isn’t expected to develop into a power hitter. He can steal a base (28 last year, 13 so far this year) and has slightly above average speed. Defensively, he’s capable of playing all three positions (career .985 Fld%, most starts in CF), and his arm is described as strong and accurate.
Komatsu was drafted in the 8th round out of Cal State Fullerton in 2008, and had a strong first season in Helena (11HR, 47RBI in 68G) but injuries (hamstring, wrist, concussion) limited him to just 26 games in 2009. He recovered in 2010 to put up a .323/.413/.442 line in 130 games and earn Player of The Year honors from the Milwaukee organization. Thus far in 2011, he’s hit for a .294 average, gotten on base at a .393 clip, and clubbed 19 doubles, a triple, and six HRs for a .416 slugging percentage. As mentioned previously, he’s walked 53 times and struck out just 44 times in 379 ABs.
As of this writing, it would appear that he’ll be ticketed to fill out the roster in Harrisburg.