It’s only June 6, but it’s already been a big month for call ups for some of the game's top prospects.
Top prospects such as Andrew McCutchen, Tommy Hanson, and White Sox third baseman Gordon Beckham have gotten the call to the big club so far this month. Perhaps the most intriguing of those three is Beckham.
I use the word “intriguing” with Beckham because he was just drafted last year. You could easily make the argument that he was rushed to the majors, as he only spent roughly less than a year in the minor leagues.
However, I don’t feel that is the case. Here are two reasons:
- He spent three years in college and already is 22 years old. So it’s not like he just came from high school and was playing scrubs last year. He played in 197 games at the University of Georgia against top competition. That’s a big plus in my book.
- Beckham tore up the minor leagues. He hit a combined .356 at three different levels from 2008 to 2009.
Beckham got the call up on Wednesday and so far he is 0-for-6 in two games for the White Sox. It’s pretty clear that he is anxious at the plate, as he only saw three pitches in three AB’s yesterday against Carl Pavano. I am not concerned though. Once he gets that first hit out of the way, Gordon will rake at the major league level.
Here are some other facts about Gordon Beckham…
Age: 22
College: University of Georgia
Drafted: Eighth pick of the first round of the 2008 Draft
Minor League Stats
2008 Single A: .310 with three HR’s, eight RBI and a .365 OBP in 14 games
2009 Double A: .299 with four HR’s, 22 RBI and a .366 OBP in 38 games
2009 Triple A: .464 with no HR’s and three RBI in seven games
Keith Law Ranking and Analysis
Ranking: No. 36 out of 100 best prospects in baseball
Analysis: “Beckham doesn’t always do it pretty, but it seems to work for him, as he has incredible instincts, enough that the “ballplayer” label might be more than just a cliché for him.
Beckham’s first move at the plate is down and slightly back, a hitch that makes it harder for him to catch up to better fastballs or adjust at the last second to an off-speed pitch, but he manages because of very quick wrists. He also helps himself by cheating a little on his front side.
His natural range at shortstop is a little limited, but good game awareness helps him overcome that, as he positions himself extremely well, and his hands and arm are fine for the position.
He could handle second base, but he should be allowed to stay at short until it becomes absolutely necessary to move him.
He’s the anti-Alexei Ramirez: Beckham’s feel for the game makes his tools play up, and he’s much more substance than flash.”
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