The #1 overall pick from this year's draft, Dennis French, has gotten off to a blazing start for the Tijuana Cutthroats, Boise's Rookie League affiliate. The young center fielder has been the crown jewel of the farm system since joining the Spud's organization. With a stat line of .376/.429/.662, French's bat has shown the promise the Spuds were hoping for thus far in his fledgling career. The high average and power were expected, the sharp eye at the plate has been a wonderful surprise. In a 157 at bats, French has walked 14 times while only striking out 11. That ratio isn't likely to last as he progresses through the organization, but it's an encouraging sign that he's willing to work with his coaches to develop more discipline at the plate.
"He'll get his chance at the next level," says GM Sganga. "We're moving him up to Hot Springs to see what he can do over the last six weeks of the season. We're confident he'll be able to keep it going against the pitchers in Short Season A ball." When asked about the possibility of a late season call-up to the Big League club, the GM responded "No, we're not going to rush him through the organization too quickly. He'll have time to develop during the off-season, maybe some winter ball. If things go well, he might get an invite to the spring training camp. But no, we're not going to see him in a Spud uniform this year."
