Was it Fort Myers keeping Sabato down, or did something click?

[Trov]

First, I was not a fan of the Sabato pick last year, a bat only guy for first round pick when you have so many of those in the minors.  In particular when they bring in glove first guys talking about how they need to improve defense at MLB level but not willing to have them in the system.  That being said watching Sabato's numbers all year at Fort Myers was just sad.  He clearly showed he was patient based on his high walks and strike out numbers.  However, even when he would put the ball in play he had little to no power and almost never got a hit.  

Now, I know the numbers do not tell a whole story.  I know Florida league is known to be pitching league due to weather conditions down there.  Also, Sabato is known to be a patient hitter, and it is possible facing lessor pitchers with less control led to him taking pitches he could have hit trying to work the count for the pitch he wanted.  It is also possible he just need to get acclimated to pro ball, or his numbers at Cedar Rapids were just a SSS.  

I just wanted to point out the huge difference in numbers.  In Fort Myers in he slashed .189/.365/.357 with 11HR in 359 plate appearances.  Looking at those numbers of having lower slugging than on base percentage is crazy for a power hitter.  The on base percentage is fine for a power guy, but that slugging is terrible.  However, history says FGL is know to suck power from hitters.  

Looking at his Cedar Rapids number, high A ball, he slashed .253/.402/.613 with 8HR in 94 plate appearances.  That is huge difference in slugging and exactly what you are looking for in a guy like Sabato.  Is it just SSS?  Maybe, next year will tell more.  However, after what was looking like a complete lost season and maybe already writing off a draft pick, for me at least, he has given me some hope.  

Early in the year I was wondering if Sabato was affected by the field, or maybe taking too many pitches watching strikes early only to not have much to hit later on.  I never watched his games and unless he was missing pitches he should handle I was willing to give him benefit of the doubt but as time moved on and numbers still stayed flat I kept wondering if he just was not the hitter we expected.  I am looking forward to seeing what next year brings for him.  He should start at high A and hopefully gets to AA by mid-season if all goes well. 

[AceWrigley]

Vive Sabato!

[jjswol]

Have you heard of the old saying that even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and then?