Durango53
04-21-2006, 12:56 PM
Ian Stewart has created the most buzz from a position prospect since Todd Helton. He has buggy-whip hands at the plate, which allow him to foul pitches off to stay alive and drive mistakes to all areas of the ballpark. He began the year in Double-A Tulsa, and if he progresses as expected, he should be in Triple-A around the all-star break. That would leave him in position to help in late August if the Rockies are contending and need another bat.
What makes Stewart so interesting is where he draws praise. I had two scouts, unsolicited, tell me that Stewart was the best player they saw in the Cactus League. Not the best young player, mind you, the best player. Padres manager Bruce Bochy told me Wednesday how impressed he was with Stewart's approach at the plate.
Stewart turned 21 a few weeks ago. If he's not a starter in the big leaguers by 23, I would be shocked.
I keep telling you all this kid is a star. He should have made the team this year. His glove was great and his stick was out of this world. I would say this kid could be a long the lines of a Albert Pujols. I would love for him to start to learn the outfield right now. I dont know how long Holliday will be around being he signed with Boar-ass and the Rockies dont deal with him hardly. He could play left and that way they could keep Atkins.
What makes Stewart so interesting is where he draws praise. I had two scouts, unsolicited, tell me that Stewart was the best player they saw in the Cactus League. Not the best young player, mind you, the best player. Padres manager Bruce Bochy told me Wednesday how impressed he was with Stewart's approach at the plate.
Stewart turned 21 a few weeks ago. If he's not a starter in the big leaguers by 23, I would be shocked.
I keep telling you all this kid is a star. He should have made the team this year. His glove was great and his stick was out of this world. I would say this kid could be a long the lines of a Albert Pujols. I would love for him to start to learn the outfield right now. I dont know how long Holliday will be around being he signed with Boar-ass and the Rockies dont deal with him hardly. He could play left and that way they could keep Atkins.