Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon

PCL notes: Davidson, Owings in line

Two Top 10 D-backs prospects patiently biding time with Reno
May 20, 2013

Matt Davidson and Chris Owings have a lot of things in common.

They both play on the left side of the infield for the Reno Aces. They are both ranked as Top 10 prospects for the Arizona Diamondbacks. They are both in their early 20s.

And after a couple of trades this past offseason, their respective paths to the big leagues were both blocked.

Davidson, 22, finds himself behind veteran third baseman Martin Prado, who signed a four-year contract extension after being acquired from the Atlanta Braves.

Owings, 21, is stuck behind shortstop Didi Gregorius, who was acquired in a three-team trade with the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians.

If anyone expects the two prospects to be down or frustrated about their situation, neither has shown any displeasure so far.

"I'm just kind of treating it like I have been since I got drafted," said Owings, the D-backs' No. 6 prospect. "When you first get drafted, you're not thinking about any of that kind of stuff. You're just trying to play ball and whatever happens from there happens from there.

"I can't control any of that kind of stuff. I'm just trying to put up some good numbers here and play hard."

Davidson, Arizona's No. 4 prospect, said he is looking at the situation as one that could potentially benefit the duo.

"In a way it relieves a little pressure just because you get plenty of time to learn everything and really you get tons of experience (at Triple-A)," Davidson said. "You don't feel rushed up there. It's almost kind of a blessing in disguise. You've got time to fine-tune everything."

So far both players are off to good starts with Reno. Owings has hit .340 (65-for-191) with two home runs and 27 RBIs. Davidson is batting .281 (43-for-153) with four homers and 27 RBIs.

"I'm just trying to fine-tune everything," Davidson said. "There's nothing really in particular. I'm focusing on improving as a hitter and a defender."

Owings echoed that sentiment.

"I'm just trying to grow as a player," he said. "This year I feel a little more comfortable up there with my approach. I'm still being aggressive but I'm trying to get some better counts."

Davidson has only played third base while Owings has logged 10 games at second base.

"Back in Spring Training, I took a couple ground balls at second," Owings said. "I was kind of getting a little familiar over there in case something happens and I have to go up and change positions. I'll be prepared for it."

In brief

Scooting along: Nashville second baseman Scooter Gennett also qualifies as a blocked prospect, stuck behind Rickie Weeks in the Brewers organization. Gennett is still doing his best to impress with the Sounds, hitting .313 (46-for-147) with 11 RBIs so far this season.

Out of sight: Round Rock third baseman Mike Olt not only finds himself stuck behind All-Star Adrian Beltre, but now he's also on the disabled list. Olt is out due to problems with his vision that have plagued him since Spring Training. He has had a rough debut at Triple-A this year, batting .139 (10-for-72) with one home run for the Express.

Brown out: Fresno center fielder Gary Brown saw his future become cloudy when the Giants re-signed Angel Pagan to a four-year extension this past offseason. Brown has struggled out of the gate, hitting just .200 (34-for-170) with one home run and 15 RBIs for the Grizzlies.

Chris Jackson is a contributor to MLB.com.