The Milwaukee Brewers have one of the most stocked farm systems in all of baseball. Right at the top of the list is SS Alcides Escobar, who was a dominant force at AA last season:

There are indications that his batting average will not translate to the major league level. First off, the BABIP, which would have placed him third among the major league hitters, just isn’t going to happen. A fall there, and in his BA is inevitable. Secondly, while Escobar makes good contact he rarely walks, which could be a problem. As he moves up to higher levels, he’s going to face tougher, more experienced pitchers. That could lead to more swings and misses, and in turn more strikeouts and a lower average.

He has little power, but the kid can fly and if he can work on his batting eye and draw a few more walks, he could be a lethal player hitting atop an order with Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and Corey Hart behind him. If Rickie Weeks gets off to a slow start once again, could the Brewers try shifting Escobar across the diamond? Why not, with Escobar being blocked at SS (a move to 3B could be in store for J.J. Hardy, though that’s a story for another day). 

That potential move makes Escobar a great player to watch early on this season. He will open the 2009 campaign in the minors, but is a nice sleeper source for SB. Let us know if you have any prospects you want to see profiled by leaving a comment below.

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FWIW
written by Eric, January 09, 2009

Escobar improved his walks. Granted improving from consecutive seasons of 18 walks is not the most challenging leap, but he also improved on the basepaths going from 63% to 81% SB success rate. AE also saw a 14% increase in his SLG

Right now, the question is whether he continues to improve. If he "stagnates" at AAA, then he's got me thinking Cesar Izturis with a little more pop.

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written by Shai, January 09, 2009

OOPS, Eric...I got my articles mixed up :0 Tough to keep up here with all the great analysts and experts!

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written by Shai, January 09, 2009

Sean,

How about SP such as Porcello, Cahill, Holland, Feliz & Bumgarner?

OF such as LaPorta, Heyward, McCutchen & Fernando Martinez?

Infielders such as Gamel, Dominguez, Cardenas, Alverez, Smoak, Blanks, Wallace & Moustakas?

Oh yeah, and RP Jose Ceda.

Thanks.

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