March 24, 2009

Top 50 MiLB Prospects 2009: #27 Yonder Alonso

Top 50 MiLB Prospects 2009 | #27 | Yonder Alonso | Reds

Position | First Base

Bats/Throws | Left/Right

Born
| April 8, 1987 (Havana, Cuba)

School
| University of Miami

Height
| 6'2''

Weight
| 215 lbs.

2008 Ranking | Not Ranked




Breakdown
The Cincinnati Reds drafted Yonder Alonso with the 7th pick in last June's draft. The former Hurricane appeared in just 6 games, but has since impressed both in Hawaii Winter Ball and in Spring Training. Alonso signed at (literally) the last possible minute with the Reds, which allowed him to only get a handful of at-bats in before the end of the season. But still, it's impressive for any player to just come in and make strides while playing in the Florida State League, let alone it being your first stop in the Minor Leagues. Alonso went on to play in the Hawaii Winter League and hit .308/.419/.510 with 4 home runs in 29 games. While with the Reds, Alonso went 2-8 with both hits being for extra bases including a home run. Many expect Alonso to be with the Reds very shortly considering he's well advanced for his age both at the plate and on defense. He's probably never going to win a Gold Glove, but he's at the very least average which is good enough for the Reds. For some reason, when I think of Alonso, I think of Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox. Both have great hitting approaches and although Youkilis is as good as it gets on defense, I think Alonso has enough potential to keep up with him offensively. With Joey Votto currently occupying first base, the Reds are expecting Votto to be in left field in 2010 with Alonso occupying first base.

2008 Statistics
Level      G     PA     AVG     OBP     SLG     XBH     HR     BB
A+         6     25    .316    .440    .368       1      0      5

2009 Outlook

Alonso will probably be with the Carolina Mudcats in the Southern League this season. He could start off with the Sarasota Reds in the Florida State League, but many expect him to be in Double-A. Regardless, I expect him to be with the Reds sometime by around September of 2009.

Video


Estimated Time of Arrival
2009

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