BA Top 31

Q: Don from Rosemont, IL asks: Having Posey in the system notwithstanding, does Jackson Williams profile as a backup catcher? Is there a real possibility that he can hit enough to be an everyday player?

A: Moderator: Williams was a fringe top-30 player for me before I began collecting information. But he rocketed all the way into the teens because of a flat-out superlative instructional league. He made simple changes to his approach at the plate that allowed him to use all fields. I think he bought into the idea that he was only in pro ball for his defensive skills, which are among the best in the minor leagues. He needed a shot of confidence that he could be a competitive hitter, too, and coaches believe he’s primed for a breakout season in 2009. His manager at Augusta, Andy Skeels, came up in the Padres system with the likes of Sandy Alomar and Benito Santiago. Defnensively, he said neither of those All-Stars were as good as Williams at the same stage. That’s high praise.

If this is enough offense to be a 10 year starter in the bigs, you gotta think Williams can be a #2 backstop. Good to hear he changed his approach.

Also, he probably gained 10 spots for having two last names.

Every year I order BA’s Handbook and Baseball Prospectus together because I’m a slave to Super Saver Shipping…and every year I wish I weren’t so cheap, as other people get the damn books before I do.

I’m not sure about having his baby, i’ll take the on field production. I’ll pay part of his check by attending games too.

Though neither is particularly young. Speaking of which, I was rather amazed reading the Prospect Handbook to note that Billy Sadler is already 27. As of course, is his college teammate Brian Wilson. Which lead me to look up Hinshaw (26), Romo (26 next month), and Taschner (31 — good lord he’s been around forever). Frandsen and Velez turn 27 in May, while Bowker, Ishikawa and Rohlinger all turn 26 this year. And of course Freddie Lewis just turn 28. It’s really amazing how old a lot of our youth is.