First Impressions: Hagerstown Edition

[Ed. Note:] These are the thoughts of my friend Shawn, a.k.a. one of my “spies in Hagerstown,” on the Suns position players. And again, don’t forget to visit his blog Musings about Sports and other important items

Brian Goodwin was very impressive offensively in his five games. I was at the game that he injured himself, grabbed the leg immediately and you knew it was trouble. Goodwin showed speed and in power in those five games. Keep in mind that we haven’t seen him struggle, just as the last memory is the best memory.

Matt Skole has done everything you can do with the bat thus far and I really like his patience. Skole is striking out a little more than I would like, but his walk total is high and I think his bat will play higher up the ladder. The real issue is the leather; I do not think Skole plays third in the long run and it might be better to move him sooner than later.

Caleb Ramsey has been better than expected, but thus far something tells me that he will not hit for power as he moves higher — just a gut feeling.

Jason Martinson has played well and has reduced his errors, but for a repeat performer has not torn the Sally League up as you would hope a true prospect would. Martinson is still striking out a lot and that is a red flag to me.

Outside of those, none of the rest show me signs of being true prospects.

I love the way Billy Burns plays, but he reminds me more of a Chris Curran type — a high-energy, slap hitter that plays the game the right way, but lacks true high-end talent.

Steven Souza is killing the ball, but he should: This after all is his fourth Hagerstown stint and he is too skilled for this level. Does this play higher? I doubt it, but he is still young enough to make a move especially considering his tools.

Cutter Dykstra is hitting for a high average as he should, but still lacks the type of pop that you would hope to see, especially when you consider the drop in level. Dykstra turns 23 next month, but he needs to make his move soon.

J.P.Ramirez seems to me to be somewhat dispirited with the demotion and it has shown in his play. I thought Ramirez would rip this league up for eight weeks and move back up, but thus far he has only hit two homers. From a player that will rise and fall with the power potential, that is a huge disappointment.

Adrian Nieto continues to show just enough potential to keep your hopes up. Nieto has some power, but still does not make the type of contact that you would like.

Bryce Ortega broke his thumb and is out of action, but in his 51 at-bats, showed no power at all — not even gap power. Ortega looks to be a organizational type to me.

Brett Newsome is exactly that: an organizational soldier.

Hendry Jimenez has murdered lefties in a small sample size, but has been pathetic against righties.

Cole Leonida looks to be viewed as a backup catcher for the second year in a row. He has not gotten a ton of at-bats, and has not taken advantage of what he has been given.

Justin Miller has hit four homers in a little over a hundred at bats, but also has 35 strikeouts, which is rather high. Considering he turns 24 in the fall, Miller’s chances of making the Potomac roster in ’13 are quite slim.