Minor League Review - Pacific Coast League hitters  (09/21/00)
 

The Coast League has long been renowned for producing hitters.  More accurately, its been noted for producing big hitting numbers, as many of the ballparks have been historically favorable to hitters.  This year has been a somewhat down year, but there are still some fine talents who'll be pushing for major league jobs next year.  Here's who look ready to take the next step:

Ross Gload has been a Lawr Michaels (CBS Sportsline, Creative Sports) favorite for a couple of years now.  For most of his career, he's been one of the older players at his level.  This year, he advanced enough to spend some time with hitters his own age and he did quite well.  Originally a first baseman, Gload has been moved to the outfield, where he'll stand a better chance of making the Cubs major league roster next spring.  He's getting a looksee with the Cubs this September.

Torii Hunter spent most of last year with the Twins, but struggled to get on base.  He worked on it this year in AAA Salt Lake and look ready to take a permanent spot in the Twins outfield next year.  John Barnes doesn't have the talent Hunter does but has scrapped his way to respectability.  Although he'll probably never be a full-time starter, he could make the team as a 4th or 5th outfielder.

Nate Rolison will have to beat Derrek Lee and Kevin Millar out of a job next spring in order to play.  He's sort of an in-between player: he has almost as much power as Lee and his plate discipline is almost as good as Millar's.  That gives him a decent shot.

Jose Ortiz is yet another fabulous hitter from the Oakland A's system.  Where he'll play is another question entirely.  It's not likely he'll displace Miguel Tejada at short, so he'll probably take playing time away from Frank Menechino and Randy Velarde at second.

Mike Darr is already inked in to the Pads' outfield next year.  Ever since his call-up in August, he's been hitting over .300.  His power has gone AWOL, but he's been very disciplined in getting on base.  Next year, he should find his power stroke, although most of it will come in the form of doubles.

Ben Petrick has been up and down with the Rockies this year, but there's little question he's ready to hit at the major league level.  The only questions that surround him concern his handling of the pitchers and his defense.  Colorado pitchers have a 4.93 ERA when he's behind the plate so it seems as though he's conquered that bugaboo.  When you hit like he does, throwing out runners is just gravy.  Just ask Mike Piazza.

Hiram Bocachica was supposed to have been Wil Cordero's successor at shortstop in Montreal.  Needless to say, that plan didn't work out.  But Bocachica just might in Dodger blue.  He's been switched to second base and look like a decent candidate to replace Mark Grudzialanek should the Dodgers be able to move his contract.  Bocachica's power has developed nicely, but still might have some problems with the balls and strikes.

Carlos Mendoza can play if he can stay healthy.  But that's been his biggest problem.  This year, he stayed out of the trainer's room enough that he might be considered for next years outfield in Colorado.  However, with the emergence of Juan Pierre, that's probably a long shot.

Julio Zuleta put on a show of impressive power for the first several weeks of spring training this year, putting two dents in the outfield scoreboard with home runs he hit.  No one doubted the power.  The plate discipline is what worried them.  It remains to be seen if the Cubs feel confident enough in Zuleta's improvement to let Mark Grace walk this winter.

Mendy Lopez had a solid year switching between short and second this year.  The Marlins already have a star in Luis Castillo at second.  Questions about Alex Gonzales at short, though, specifically regarding his bat, might cast enough doubt for Lopez to challenge for his starting job.

Craig Wilson makes this list largely because he might be the starting catcher in Pittsburgh if the rumors of Jason Kendall's departure prove true.  Wilson has been the definition of a minor league journeyman for much of his career and has definitely picked the right time to find his power stroke.

I'd like to note that there were a number of other player who merited a mention, but were not, either because of limited playing time, or because they have already established themselves in the major leagues, like Aramis Ramirez, Juan Pierre, Emil Brown, Lance Berkman, Julio Lugo, Mark Quinn, Terence Long and Erubial Durazo.