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Farmstros Five- Week 20

by farm_stros on in Houston Astros Minor League News


The Farmstros Five for the week of August 19-25, 2009:

The Top Performer:

Drew Locke, 26, OF, Corpus Christi. Locke had multiple hits in six straight games going 15 for 26 with three doubles, one home run and four RBI.

The Other Four:

Josh Muecke, 27, LHP, Round Rock. Muecke allowed no earned runs, seven hits and struck out eight in two starts(12 2/3 IP).

Koby Clemens, 22, DH/C/OF, Lancaster. Clemens was 14 for 30 with two doubles, two triples, two home runs, eight runs scored, and nine RBI.

Abraham Gonzalez, 22, RHP, Greeneville. In two relief appearances, Gonzalez pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing no runs, two hits and striking out six.

Brandon Wikoff, 21, IF, Lexington. The 2009 draft pick was 12 for 34 with six runs, two doubles, one triple and four RBI.

0 recs  |  6 comments

Comments

does anyone know anything about brandon wikoff’s defense? Hes been succesful at tri city and lexington offensively so i was wondering if he had the defensive ability to remain in the middle infield and advance through the minors quickly since hes already been advanced into low A?

Subber10 - August 26, 2009 via mobile reply

PG Crosschecker said before the draft:

Defensively, he has a sure glove and natural middle-infield actions. His arm strength is considered marginal by pro standards, but he more than makes up for it with his accuracy and by playing angles more expeditiously on ground balls.

I haven’t seen any eyewitness reports on him since the draft, but here’s what he said about what position he would play:

For the most part, it’s shortstop until I prove that I can’t, but they know I can play all three infield positions. And that’s what a lot of scouts talked to me about: having that versatility. But for the most part I’ve heard shortstop until I prove otherwise.

And here’s what his college coach said about his work ethic:

“I’m crazy about Wikoff because of his abilities and his makeup,” Couston said. “There’s no doubt he’s going to play in the big leagues.”

AstroAndy - August 26, 2009 reply

everything I read about his is his great make up and competitiveness. Will this be an Eckstein type middle infielder?

clack - August 26, 2009 reply

he has a marginal arm

eckstein has a…less than marginal arm. to quote fjm, it looks like he needs to take a nap after he throws a ball to first, due to exhaustion

Evan Hochschild - August 26, 2009 reply

He's definitely a grit and hustle type of guy

More from PG Crosschecker:

Wikoff’s overall tools may not warrant his being an early-round pick, but his grit, instincts and determination will likely prompt a team to take a stab at him in that area.
Wikoff was the unquestioned leader this spring on a surprisingly-good Illinois team, and hit .373-4-41 while leading the Illini in runs scored and playing a solid shortstop.
Wikoff gets the highest marks of all from everyone in his approach to the game and his hustling style of play. He may never be on a big-league team’s list of top prospects, but Wikoff has a much greater chance of playing in the major leagues than many of the players who will be drafted ahead of him.

AstroAndy - August 26, 2009 reply

saw him last night

I was really surprised by what I saw against Hickory last night. I wish I could go back now and pay more attention…

Mr. Imperial - August 26, 2009 reply

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