Esmerlyn Valdez is getting promoted to Class AA Altoona.
Valdez, the Pirates' No. 22 prospect, according to Baseball America, is tied for second among all full-season minor league players with 20 home runs, while also ranking third in total bases (164), tied for third in extra-base hits (39) and eighth in slugging (.592). Valdez leads the South Atlantic League in batting average (.303), hits (84), home runs, RBIs (57), slugging, OPS (.977), extra-base hits and total bases, while also ranking tied for first in doubles (18) and tied for fourth in runs scored (46).
Ben Cherington said yesterday on his team-produced radio show with Joe Block, that Valdez was "knocking on the door for a promotion." I spoke with Valdez earlier this month in Greenville, S.C., during high Class A Greensboro's five-game set against the Red Sox's affiliate and he credited an improved approach at the plate to his surge his year.
THE ASYLUM
Valdez promoted to Class AA Altoona
Esmerlyn Valdez is getting promoted to Class AA Altoona.
Valdez, the Pirates' No. 22 prospect, according to Baseball America, is tied for second among all full-season minor league players with 20 home runs, while also ranking third in total bases (164), tied for third in extra-base hits (39) and eighth in slugging (.592). Valdez leads the South Atlantic League in batting average (.303), hits (84), home runs, RBIs (57), slugging, OPS (.977), extra-base hits and total bases, while also ranking tied for first in doubles (18) and tied for fourth in runs scored (46).
Ben Cherington said yesterday on his team-produced radio show with Joe Block, that Valdez was "knocking on the door for a promotion." I spoke with Valdez earlier this month in Greenville, S.C., during high Class A Greensboro's five-game set against the Red Sox's affiliate and he credited an improved approach at the plate to his surge his year.
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