Shortstops

Stephen Perez Stephen Perez
DOB: 12/16/90
Ht. 5’11”
Wt. 185
Bats: S
Throws: R
Career Stats
While he faded some in the second half, 2014 was nevertheless a breakout
year for Perez. Displayed good range and a strong arm at short; the high
error total misleading because he got to balls that others might not have.
Unlike many switch hitters, the dropoff isn’t terribly severe when batting
righthanded — a little loss in power, but a better walk rate. Runs well
and showed a knack for hitting well in late-inning pressure situations.
Unless the Nats decide to leapfrog Difo, he should open 2015 in Harrisburg.
Wilmer Difo Wilmer Difo
DOB: 4/2/92
Ht. 6’0″
Wt. 175
Bats: S
Throws: R
Career Stats
A four-time watchlister, Difo also put together a career year in 2014,
winning the Sally League MVP and “forcing” the Nationals to add him to
the 40-man roster. Difo has average to above-average skills at every facet
of his game, highlighted by plus to plus-plus speed and power from both
sides. There’s some disagreement as to whether he profiles better as a SS,
where he’s played the most, or at 2B, where scouts believe he belongs.
Should open 2015 in Potomac, though there’s chatter — mostly from impatient
fans — that he’ll skip High-A and begin at AA.
Trea Turner Trea Turner
DOB: 4/23/93
Ht. 6’1″
Wt. 175
Bats: R
Throws: R
Career Stats
Thanks to the Pete Incaviligia Rule, Turner won’t join the Nationals until June
(unless MLB allows him to be loaned). The Padres 1st Rd. pick (13th overall)
features plus-plus speed but is not a slap-and-bunt hitter nor he does he
possess superior range. He does however, scouts say, have the arm and the
footwork to become a solid defender. Likewise, they believe his bat and
selectivity should enable him to become a top-of-the-order hitter who will
get on base and live up to the “Burner Turner” nickname.
Edwin Lora Edwin Lora
DOB: 9/14/95
Ht. 6’1″
Wt. 150
Bats: R
Throws: R
Career Stats
Like Difo, Lora has been used at both second base and shortstop. However,
he’s a year ahead of him on the development curve, having had a strong year
at the GCL during his age-18 season with a line of .293/.333/.337 with 13
steals over 52 games last summer. Best bet for 2015: A trip to Auburn while
the Doubledays MIs fight for playing time in Hagerstown.

2 Commments

  1. I think he’ll be sent to High-A, but it’s possible that he could go to Low-A. Difo has more Low-A experience, thus is listed higher.

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