Jesus Vasquez

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2009
DSL:  268/340/459, 183 AB, 10 2B, 5 3B, 5 HR, 16 BB, 40 K, 6-13 SB

Vasquez hit for good power at age 17, although his plate discipline was marginal at best.

2010
DSL:  265/324/429, 170 AB, 13 2B, 5 HR, 10 BB, 36 K, 11-13 SB

Vasquez had a similar but weaker season, with his walk rate dropping to a low level.

2011
DSL:  324/435/572, 222 AB, 20 2B, 1 3B, 11 HR, 41 BB, 58 K, 21-34 SB

In his third year, Vasquez finished tied for second in the DSL in HRs, second in slugging, and first in OPS.  He dramatically increased his walk rate, but his K rate was high, better than one every four ABs.

2012
R:  246/329/395, 65 AB, 3 2B, 2 HR, 5 BB, 17 K, 4-9 SB
A-:  250/285/452, 124 AB, 8 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 6 BB, 39 K, 3-5 SB

Vasquez was finally expected to attend spring training in 2012, but he didn’t make it to training camp due to visa issues.  Those evidently got cleared up, as Vasquez opened the season in the GCL.  He played mostly first and hit only decently, but at the beginning of August he moved up to State College when the Spikes’ outfielders were dropping like flies.  He played right and showed an excellent arm, racking up ten assists in just 33 games.  Vasquez hit for more power with the Spikes, but his plate discipline went south.

Vasquez is an interesting prospect because he has good power, but his plate discipline needs to improve dramatically from what it was at State College.  He was only there briefly, though, so he could improve with more opportunities.  The Pirates had him playing both first and outfield in spring training, so he could end up at either position.  He opened the season in extended spring training, so he’ll probably head to Jamestown.