Bats/Throws: L/R

Height/Weight: 6’0”/174 lbs

Acquired: NDFA

Born: 12/23/87 (San Pedro de Macoris, DR)

2009 Rank: NR

Why Ranked Here: Valdespin has some obvious gifts: he’s a plus runner with a live body.  Moreover, Mets people complemented the work he did in instructional league in the DR after season’s end. 

2009: It was a long and windy year for Valdespin.  An incredibly hot April in Savannah (.385/.406/.615) carried him to a .322/.366/.480 line in Savannah through June 2.  Valdespin was much more ordinary in May (.267/.330/.372) before an injury sidelined him for almost all of June and July.  When he reappeared in August, he played a games in the DSL, a week in the GCL and then three weeks for Brooklyn to help the Cyclones’ playoff push.  With Brooklyn, Valdespin hit like it was May in the SAL going .279/.338/.397 in 18 games.  Scouts, who liked his speed, scoffed at his baseball instincts.

Dr. Pangloss Says: With his speed, Valdespin could be a top of the order threat if he learns to control the strike zone.

Debbie Downer Says: Um, yeah, what are the odds he does learn that crucial ability?  He drew five walks in 18 games in the NYP and 11 in 39 games in the SAL as a 21-year old.  He’ll be 22 in 2010 in his first taste of the FSL.  He’s just another guy who can run without the actual skill set that would help a MLB lineup.

Projected 2010 Start: The starting 2B at St. Lucie.