As we’re just two weeks away from the MLB Trade Deadline, we’re looking at some of the biggest MILB prospect names that will be brought up by MLB GMs. Not saying any of these guys will be traded, but all of them will be talked about. Some are actually on the table; others are not.
The 8th overall pick in the 2011 MLB draft, shortstop Francisco Lindor is the next huge can’t miss prospect for the Cleveland Indians. Currently with the AA level Akron Aeros, I caught up to him at the 2011 Midwest League All-Star game. And yes, watching Low A baseball is WAY BETTER than watching the ESPYs. No question.
Any baseball field Francisco Lindor is on, he looks like he belongs, whether it was as the youngest regular in the Midwest League in 2012 or in a big league stadium at the All-Star Futures Game. An argument can be made that Francisco Lindor is the best defensive shortstop in the Minors. Not only does he have an outstanding arm and well above-average range, but those tools play up because of his off-the-charts instincts and feel for the position. Francisco Lindor is rated the top shortstop among all MLB prospects, the #1 prospect in the Indians system and the #11 prospect overall.
“Every time I come out to the field, I try to improve in every aspect of the game. I try to soak in everything I can. I just try to get better from here,” he said about what he’s working on to get better. He also articulated what he likes best about the Indians organization:
“They’re honest, they have a really good orientation. They know how to run things and they respect us as ballplayers. They tell us always the truth. I respect that.
“As a man I would like them to be honest, and I want to be honest with them,” Francisco Lindor said.
I asked him who he looked up to the most in the Major Leagues.
“The ones I really look at the most are Derek Jeter, Jose Reyes, all the shortstops. They’re great ballplayers and I respect them. I admire them.
Any mentors?
“Tony Walters helped me a lot last year in Mahani. Took me under his wing and showed me around; he’s a great ball player.”
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. He’s also a correspondent for 95.7 The Fan, and reports on Chicago sports media for Chicago Now. President Obama follows him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)