MiLB.com is spending the month of March visiting each Spring Training site in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues to report on the most significant stories involving each club's Minor League system as players get ready for the 2007 season. We'll find out who's impressing the organization, who's hot, who's not and sit down for an exclusive Q&A with a top prospect.
Team: Arizona Diamondbacks Burning Question How quickly will Justin Upton rise through the organizational ranks? Well, based on what manager Bob Melvin has said this spring, it's hard to imagine Upton not making a journey that's quicker than most. He demonstrated last season that he's capable of handling pressure, at least at Class A, where he was one of the most exciting players in the Midwest League. Upton hit .263 for South Bend in his first taste of professional action after being the top pick in the 2005 draft. His strikeout total (96 in 438 at-bats) wasn't outrageous considering his age (19). He hit 12 homers and drove in 66 runs, but what was just as noteworthy was the fact that he walked 52 times, showing some of the patience at the plate not often associated with younger players. There remain some questions about his attitude and makeup, but such queries are to be expected when a player of his caliber is under constant scrutiny. He'll be in the California League this season and should be able to handle it with aplomb, especially after getting his initiation to pro ball out of the way last summer. It will be interesting to see whether or not the D-backs think Upton can get a taste of Double-A this season. Many of the same questions dogged his brother, B.J., after Tampa Bay chose him with the second overall pick in 2002. The elder Upton reached Triple-A in his second pro season, but when the Devil Rays rushed him to the Major Leagues, his career stalled and he was forced to spend another two seasons in Durham. "We don't have any fear of rushing Justin," director of player development A.J. Hinch said. "He's a mature kid emotionally and physically, so we're just going to continue to present him with challenges. And if his play dictates that he it's time for him to go up, we have no qualms about doing that." Other News of the Day Hinch said he wouldn't be surprised if Carlos Gonzalez also moves quickly through the system. The outfielder, who turned 21 in October, was Midwest League MVP in 2005 and followed that up by blitzing the California League last season. He'll be in Mobile to start this year, but there's a realistic chance he'll be seeing action with Triple-A Tucson before long. Gonzalez had five hits and three RBIs in his first 13 at-bats this spring after a huge season in the Venezuelan Winter League. "He's a good kid with loads of talent," Hinch said. "He's starting to figure out the things he needs to do better. You have to remember, he should be a junior in college, but he's in big-league camp." ... RHP Kyler Newby still awaits his first action as he rehabs a tender elbow. ... RHP Mike Schultz continues his quest to shed suspect status and leave an impression in camp. He's thrown two scoreless innings and is hoping to land a spot in the bullpen. In all likelihood, he'll end up back in Tucson, where he spent the bulk of last season, though he remains on the 40-man roster. "We've always liked him," Hinch said. "It's just a matter of waiting for the right opportunity. He has the size and the arm strength. The only thing that has held him back is health. You can't teach size [6-foot-7] and 95 mph though." ... Hinch also added that LHP Brett Anderson, a second-round pick last year, has been making a very good impression. #ques_include {width:300px;float:right;margin-left:5px;} #ques_content {border-top:1px solid #4C8CA8;border-left:1px solid #4C8CA8;padding-left:5px;} .ques_schedule {margin-top:5px;font-size:11px;} .ques_dates {font-size:11px;font-style:italic;color:#999;} 
Five Questions with Greg Smith MiLB.com: If you could pick one person in history to have dinner with, who would it be and why? GS: Mel Stottlemyre Sr. For me, he played alongside some great guys and he was there. He's an older guy, so I could ask him how the game was played, the way it used to be and try and bring some of that back with me. I love talking to someone like him. I can't get enough of it. MiLB.com: People would be surprised to know that I ... GS: I had two heart surgeries, in 2003 and in 2004. It was non-invasive and they went in with a catheter to close some extra valves that were causing an irregular heartbeat. MiLB.com: What is your greatest accomplishment on or off the field? GS: My senior year in high school I won Mr. Baseball for the state of Louisiana. It's still the coolest thing that's ever happened to me. I still have the trophy at my house. MiLB.com: Who is the most unusual character you've come across and why? GS: That would be [Arizona pitching prospect] Jason Neighborgall, one of my better friends. He's the goofiest guy. I just love to hang out with him. He's just a great guy, especially once you get to know him. MiLB.com: Now the one that has been stumping you guys all week, Ginger or Mary Ann? GS: Ginger because she was always my type. She was a little ditzy but funny ditzy or annoying and bimbo-ish. She always made me laugh. Lasting Impression Second baseman Emilio Bonafacio has come into camp after a big season in the California League and opened some eyes, both at the plate and in the field. He's got wonderful speed -- 156 stolen bases in the last three seasons, including 61 last year -- and uses it to generate a great deal of excitement. Sometimes he's too quick for his own good, but he's proving this spring that he can play within himself. "He's been the talk of the camp," Hinch said. "In any other organization, he'd be a top-10 prospect, but for us he'd fall into the early teens. But he's a great prospect and has ground his way through some at-bats and showed tenacity at the plate. And he's one of the fastest guys I've ever seen. He's also played with a bit of calmness at second. He's one of those excitable guys that plays with his head on fire so to speak, but he's been able to slow it down so far." Parting Shots Arizona is so stocked from top to bottom in terms of prospects, it's tough to settle on one player and say this is the guy to watch. The idea that the Diamondbacks are going to be a good team for many years to come is the feeling that one comes away with after watching them, talking to scouts, front-office types and people in other organizations. They have pitching, they have infielders and they have outfielders. What else can be said? The Valley of the Sun is going to be the Valley of Fun. Kevin Czerwinski is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs. |
