If you watched the Futures Game today, you saw the collection of talent around the minors and the types of players who are chosen to play in that game. Well, Gorkys Hernandez is the only player in the Pirates' organization to have been chosen to that game twice.Hernandez was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in the McLouth trade earlier this season and was ranked as the club's #4 prospect heading into the season. He was also the #3 prospect in the Carolina League last season.
In 2007, Hernandez won the Midwest League (Low A) MVP Award after batting .293 with 4 HR and 54 stolen bases. He hurt his hamstring in 2008 that took a pretty big blow out of his SB totals (he only had 20), but posted a solid OBP for a 20 year old in the Carolina League.
This season, Hernandez has been playing in AA all year and has a line of .288/.333/.366. Obviously, you would like to see a little bit higher OBP from him and a higher SLG. His walk numbers have gone down and his strikeout numbers have gone up. However, there shouldn't be any need to panic as he still is just 21 years old.
The one big aspect of Hernandez' game that is lacking is his power. He is not projected to hit for much once he reaches the majors. He looks to be more of a #2 hitter or a #8 hitter.
Hernandez has a ton of potential. He could ultimately be a guy who can hit .300 and post an OBP of around .350 or so. Since he plays a corner outfield position, how well he fields and how well he hits will play a big role in if he will be able to stick around in a corner spot. That is a position that teams can usually fill with power hitters. If Hernandez is in LF, then he needs to be good at what he does.
Expected time to be in the 'Burgh: 2011
Current Top 10:
1) July 18th
2) July 17th
3) July 16th
4) July 15th
5) July 16th
6) Gorkys Hernandez
7) Bryan Morris
8) Jeff Locke
10) Daniel McCutchen
