Niko Goodrum

[lightfoot789]

Niko Goodrum

 

Full Name: Cartier Niko Goodrum
Born: February 28, 1992
Age: 23
Birthplace: Fayetteville, GA
Bats: S
Throws: R
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 198
Draft: Round 2 (2010, MIN)
School: Fayette County, Fayetteville, GA
Ranked No. 20 among Twins prospects by MLB.com entering the 2013 season. ... Selected by the Minnesota Twins in the second round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft out of Fayette County High School in Fayetteville, Ga.

 

Goodrum was a huge part of the 2015 FSL Championship.  He led the league in stolen bases and was identified as having the Best Infield Arm in the FSL in 2014 by baseball america.   In his minor league career, Niko has stolen 74 bases in 87 attempts (84% success rate).  His career OBP is .339.  As a switch hitter he is significantly better from the Left side in BA & OBP.  Arguably the best athlete in the minor leagues outside of Buxton.  He needs to move up to AA as soon as Sano moves on or Polanco.  Probably a better shortstop, but is hindered from the pressense of Sano and Polanco ahead of him.  

 

Could eventually become the next Santana / Escobar and serve as a utility Outfielder and Infielder.  

[lightfoot789]

Great opening night going (2 - 4) with 2 singles.  Should fourish as a leadoff hitter for the Miracle until promotion.

[lightfoot789]

FRIDAY NIGHTS GAME WAS IN FRONT OF RECORD 9000+ FANS

 

Goodrum 2 for 4 with a HR and Double with 2 RBI in tonight Miracle win.

 

Goodrum is 4 for 8 on season (.500 BA).

 

Serving as an excellent leadoff hitter two games in.

 

 

[lightfoot789]

April 12th

 

The Miracle lineup managed just five hits and two walks on the night, and like their Red Wings brothers, struggled when they did have opportunities. As a team they went 0-10 with runners in scoring position and left six men on base for the game. Niko Goodrum was the lone standout, going 2-3 with a double and a walk, but was stranded in scoring position three times. 

[lightfoot789]

April 13th

 

A hot start saw the Miracle score five runs in the first two innings. Niko Goodrum knocked two doubles and scored three runs out of the lead-off spot.

 

.400    BA%

.478    OBP%

.750    SLG%

1.228    OPS%

Thru 5 games

[lightfoot789]

April 14th

 

The Miracle played a morning game, and their bats were unable to wake up in this one. Of course, there are two exceptions to that. Niko Goodrum knocked his fifth double in addition to a walk.

 

.464 OBP and 5 doubles in 6 games as a leadoff hitter.  

[lightfoot789]

Niko has mellowed out statistically as of late but is doing a great job defensively.  He has committed only 1 error on the season and is beginning to show the consistency the Twins were looking for with his defense.  He is still a very dynamic player with one of the best arms in the system.  Continues to get on base at a high rate.  Led FSL in stolen bases last year.  I would love to see him play more SS, but that's just me............

 

7 doubles

3 home runs

.415 SLG%

.368 OBP (awesome)

.783 OPS

 

 

[lightfoot789]

Niko Goodrum is off to a bad start thus far.  I think he is missing his guys who are up in Chattanooga.  He has been a part of that winning formula for the last 3 years and seems to be in purgatory.  I still think he is an elite athlete who is probably a better SS than 3B.  

 

Aderlin Mejia is going thru the same funk.  Excellent hitter for the last 2 years and now he's struggling.

 

Goodrum

9 2B

1 3B

4 HR

27 BB / 50 Ks

.208 BA

.320 OBP

10 SB (led the FSL last year in SB)

10 E

 

People can say he needs to be a professional and do his job, but players have feelings too and I almost positive the Twins never gave Niko a projection or rationale for what they had in store for him moving forward.  Players never seem to know why they are not promoted or demoted when asked.  He will have to stop feeling sorry for himself and get back to being Niko Goodrum.  This season has not been a clear definition of who he is as a player.

 

I still believe!

[lightfoot789]

NEW LIFE & NEW START

 

TRANSACTIONS

Niko Goodrum assigned to Chattanooga Lookouts from Fort Myers Miracle.

 

I'm expecting Niko to finally get his chance back at SS with Polanco now with the Twins and Polanco probably in AAA if that doesn't work.

 

I'm expecting big things from Mr. Goodrum

[lightfoot789]

Goodrum has proven to be one of the more versatile players on the Lookouts.  He started playing CF for the Lookouts upon his arrival to Chattanooga and now finds himself as an everyday infielder.  He has played SS the last 2 games with Polanco now in Rochester.  His HR yesterday was his second in AA and a game tying shot.   With the addition of Mejia to the Lookouts, it will be interesting to see how the manager uses Levi Michael; Menesses; Mejia; and Goodrum across the infield.

 

Goodrum is only batting .216 BA thru 15 games, but will hopefully start finding his groove with consistent playing time.  His versatility will be his ticket.

[lightfoot789]

With the demotion of Jorge Polanco to AA and the solid play of Shannon Wilkerson in CF, Goodrum is going to see less and less time with the Lookouts the remainder of this season.  He was starting to play more consistent ball before the transactions.  His stolen base numbers are gaining quickly and he already has double figures in only 35 games.   His errors have remained high at 3B, but he only has 1 error at SS in AA and is a double play machine when playing his natural position (SS).  Not sure what the team plans are for Niko moving forward, but if he wants to play SS, he might need to be moved.   Hard to get consistent at the plate when you play 3 times a week (if).  Still the best infield arm in the system and one of the best base stealing threats in the system.

[BoomBoom]

People need to recognize that this kid is a talent.  Niko is off to a great week and end of the season stretch.  I could see it being useful for Niko going to Arizona Fall League or Winter Ball somewhere.  

 

Batting  .314 in August stretch with 2 doubles; 3 triples; and 3 HRs.  Niko also has a 7 to 7  BB/ K output.  His arm is still the BEST infield arm in the system and he should truly get the chance to play SS more.  The Twins messed up in that evaluation IMO.  They expected him to get bigger and be able to play third in the future.  He is the most athletic person on the Chattanooga roster and that might have included Buxton.

[twinssouth]

Great timing Boom Boom. I've been noticing Niko lately and made a comment this AM in the Minor League Report. I'm beginning to wonder if something is going on. Since his call up, Nikos been playing CF and 3rd. Lately, he's back at SS. Polanco played last night at 2nd after being out awhile. Youre right, he's very athletic but on a par with Kepler and Buxton. It's just that he's been raw. Now the tools are developing and especially his hitting. Defensively, he's always been consistent, making all the plays. I think the Twins thought he would add more weight as he got older but he hasn't.

 

 

They maybe taking a second look at him at SS. Santana has been inconsistent and Polancos biggest problem is his throwing. I've seen all these guys play and just felt Niko would need more time to develop. Now he's back at SS using that strong arm and hitting great, putting it all together. Is there something going on with my fellow Georgian.

[BoomBoom]

I'm a big Niko Goodrum fan.  Twins better not slip up and miss out on this kids potential.  He is a much better SS than Polanco.  Polanco is just a better hitter.  Best arm of all the prospect infielders.