As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
Another week of DSL action is in the books, and that means it is your (hopefully) and my favorite time of the week, the DSL Weekly Rundown! The article where I play around with the format and try to mine for some gold for the next interesting player to add to our fantasy rosters, or prospects to keep an eye on when their cards come out, or just to follow our favorite teams' newest prospects.
Last week, Evan W. Rentschler asked about Harold Rivas of the Red Sox system. He is having a fantastic start to his pro career, walking eleven times and only striking out three times. He is also doing this with some extra-base pop, with two doubles and a triple just for good measure. I don't think the power ceiling is very high with him, but he might be able to trade some contact for power. He also puts himself in good spots with his approach. I do slightly think he leans more on the passive side of the passive vs. patient spectrum. Without further ado, let's get into the prospect I know you all want to read about.
Josuar de Jesus Gonzalez, SS SF
Let's start with the big dog, and honestly, I know a few of you are here just for how he did over this past week, and that's okay. I am not hurt that you only come here for him. Just over the past week, the Giants' top dog in the international market went .429/.500/.529 with two doubles to go along with three stolen bases.
He has been performing about as well as you could ask for a high bonus IFA guy. On the season, the diminutive shortstop is hitting .351/.467/.432 with seven strikeouts to eight walks, and seven stolen bases. The power is more doubles power as currently constructed, but that is fine right now because his blend of contact and speed are playing up, to go along with a good approach.
When I have tuned in to watch, the big thing that sticks out is the twitch he has. It is evident when he is running and when he is in the field. There are still some of the finer points of playing shortstop that he can work on, like timing and reading batted balls pre-pitch that will help him out, but that part of the game will come with more experience against better quality of competition. Plus, let's be real, there is still so much projection left in JdJG that we can dream on him being the next fantasy starlet at the shortstop position. The power will come, as will a better feel for the shortstop position. He is the best prospect at this level, and honestly, it's not particularly close.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!