Jampacked Blog

I did this much earlier in the year (before the year even started actually) for the pitchers. But, now that we’ve had a look at these guys for almost a full week, let’s take a close look at how Angel Espada plans on using his 15 hitters this season.

CATCHERS

Jose Behar — He’s been the main guy behind the plate, catching three of five games with a day off in between each start. That leads me to believe he won’t play tonight. He’s 4-for-12 with a pair of doubles but I think his usage primarily because of his defense. He’s got a good arm and does well defensively. Behar was a 30th round pick last year.

Sharif Othman — Didn’t get a chance to see him, but Othman has started one game and went 1-for-3 with a walk. I think he’s the odd man out, especially with the immediate damage Brian Dice is doing with the bat. Othman was a 32nd round pick last year.

Brian Dice — Undrafted out of Lenoir-Rhyne University, Dice received just seven at bats last year. He’s quickly made a name for himself this year, going 3-for-4 in his first start before drilling a homerun in his second start. As is the case with this level, if you keep hitting, you’ll keep playing.

Michael Vaughn — He’s on the 7-day DL. Can’t be activated until Monday but Jamestown’s lineup is full, they’d need to make a roster move to activate him.

INFIELDERS

Viosergy Rosa (1B) — A 29th round pick in 2010, Rosa spent some time in Jamestown last year, but hit just .210 in 41 games. He’s got a pretty good eye at the plate and is 5-for-17 in four starts, but appears to be getting pushed for playing time by Felix Munoz. I like Rosa. I would imagine he’ll be in the lineup everyday (especially against righties) either at first or DH-ing.

Felix Munoz (1B) — Munoz was signed out of the Dominican Republic late in 2008 and is playing well in his first season above rookie ball. The 20-year-old first baseman is 5-for-10 and while he looked like primarily a backup, if he keeps getting multi-hit games in starts, he’ll be playing a lot. Minor complaint (and I mean minor, more of a note) — all five hits are singles.

Anthony Gomez (2B) — The sixth round pick out of Vanderbilt looks like a player. Gomez is batting .313/.400/.438 in four games and has four RBI. He’s started the last three games at second while hitting first or second and I can’t imagine that changing anytime soon with the way he’s been playing.

Yefri Perez (2B/SS) — He started the second game and went 0-for-4. He also played here last year and batted .198. It’s tough because Perez batted .290 and .319 in two stints at GCL in 2010 and 2011, respectively, but has struggled to get consistent playing time. With the logjam in the middle infield, that doesn’t appear to be changing any time soon.

Rony Peralta (2B/SS) — Peralta started a game and pinch ran, but doesn’t appear to have a great chance of cracking the starting lineup on a regular basis. Again, Jamestown has a bunch of middle infielders and Peralta looks like the last choice. He struggled between Jupiter and Jamestown last year, but the Marlins clearly like his speed.

Pedro Mendoza (2B/SS) — 7-day DL, but the same thing as Vaughn goes for the 21-year-old middle infielder. Jamestown would need to make a roster move to activate him and there’s quite the logjam in the infield. Mendoza did hit .252 in 31 games for Jamestown last year and did OK at Greensboro.

Yeison Hernandez (2B/SS) — Another middle infielder, Hernandez seems to be the third option up the middle. He’s started at short twice and second once, and also got a DH spot. Still just 19 years old, Hernandez has already spent time at Jupiter this year and he’s doing alright down here at Jamestown batting .263. Have to imagine he’ll play every three or four days out of five.

Austin Nola (SS/3B) — Nola, a fifth round pick this year, can do a little bit of everything on the infield but has been relegated to the left side so far. He’s started all five games but is off to a slow start, batting just .100 (2-for-20). Has walked three times, though. He’ll be fine.

Matt Juengel (3B) — He’s another rookie doing alright through five games with three starts. He’s batting .286, but probably has more power than he’s showing. The optimal lineup probably has him at third everyday.

OUTFIELDERS

Kentrell Dewitt (LF) — Dewitt, just 21, spent a majority of 2011 with Jamestown but struggled, hitting just .200. He’s started well, 4-for-7 with three doubles, but hasn’t played in the last three games. I’m awaiting word to see if he’s hurt (which he must be) and how long it is. Dewitt was in the starting lineup for the third game before getting scratched late.

Jesus Solorzano (OF) — He’s been the utility man out there, going from right to center to left in his first three games. He’s played all three in left with Dewitt out. He’s been the only player besides Nola to play every game and if Dewitt’s out for a longer time, that will have to keep up. He’s batting .200 (4-for-20) with a pair of doubles.

Juancito Martinez (CF) — Played in 4/5 games with every single one of them in center. He appears to have the job locked down for the time being. He’s been terrific so far, 6-for-15 with a stolen base.

Cameron Flynn (RF) — The rookie 23rd round pick out of Kentucky has had a rough go at it so far in his first week of pro ball. He’s 2-for-17 with a couple of walks and a RBI. He was at the top of the lineup early, which shows you what they think of his potential. If Dewitt’s out, the chances for him to break out of it will keep coming.