With the start of the Rookie and Short Season A seasons, this year's draft class has had a chance to spread its wings and determine if it is time to fly or if they start the season grounded. This article provides a quick look at how Valencia's top five picks started.
Bartolo Fernandez was the second overall pick of the draft. The left fielder has gotten off to a slow start in Redwood City. After one week of this new season, Bartolo has gone 3 for 18 with a solo homer. Hardly the stats that the Valencia faithful was hoping for, but his 60 current overall rating and 10 contact rating has the scouts thinking that this is just a blip on the overall picture.
Although his debut in Redwood City was last week, starting pitcher Juan Genge had another start this week with similar results. Another win, another five inning/no runs allowed outing. Overall, Juan has a 0.00 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP over his two starts.
Closer Allen Grondin has appeared in two games over the first week. The 18-year old has pitched two innings allowing two hits and no runs so far. The southpaw has registered five strikeouts in his two innings while walking none and notching two saves.
First baseman Masafumi Ohashi has hit the ground running and a few pitches as well. Masa walked away from week one with a .308 batting average and a .400 on-base percentage while smacking a homer.
Charlie Daniels pitched one game in relief this past week. In 2.1 innings of work, Charlie allowed one run on two hits and a pair of walks. Charlie also fanned two batters in his only outing.
