Drafted: First Round 2009 (Fernando Callejo HS, in Manati, Puerto Rico)
Height: 6′0″ Weight: 170 lbs.
Born: Feb. 12, 1991
Fuentes is a cousin of NY Mets CF Carlos Beltran. He is just the sixth Puerto Rican to be drafted in the first round of the First-Year Player Draft.
He has drawn comparisons to former Red Sox CF Johnny Damon, but at the moment doesn’t show the power that Damon possesses—he likely will be more of a contact hitter with gap power.
He has plus-plus speed, so he should develop into a dynamic leadoff hitter.
He’s reputed to be an outstanding defensive outfielder who has the kind of glove (and speed) that will put him into Gold Glove consideration.
But (unfortunately) the comparisons with Damon continue—he has what is termed a “fringy” arm.
Baseball America compares him to Jacoby Ellsbury, but says he is a better hitter at the same stage of their respective careers.
BA also says he projects to be a better defender than Ellsbury—reportedly he gets better jumps and has excellent range but (like Ellsbury) will need to work on his routes to the ball.
He hit .290, with 1 HR, 14 RBI, and 9 SB in 145 ABs in rookie ball, earning a promotion to Greenville (Lo-A) to start 2010.
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