A quick Google search turned up the following information on MIF Greg Veloz who was acquired from the Mets in exchange for 2B Anderson Hernandez.
From the Mets Minor League Blog … #25 prospect in Mets organization back in January
Veloz must walk more to be a true asset at the top of an MLB batting order because he has below average power. In 2008, he walked 39 times in over 550 PA. Moreover, his value as a utility infielder is limited because he doesn’t play short or third, so he’ll have to hit enough to hold down a 2B job to really deserve a roster spot. Scouts aren’t convinced he’ll hit at the higher levels.
#1 by John - August 6th, 2009 at 11:27
Interesting. I wonder if they’ll be able to get his average up by getting him to bunt/slap hit like Morgan. He sounds like a nice pickup for Hernandez.
He’s young enough that you could repeat him in Carolina next year, although with Lombardozzi, Soriano and Kobernus, things could get crowded in the lower levels. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Lombardozzi in a package to get a reliever this Winter.
#2 by Sue Dinem - August 6th, 2009 at 11:34
Any speculation as to who will go from Potomac to make room (e.g. Martinez to Harrisburg, Seuss released, etc.)
#3 by Brian Oliver - August 6th, 2009 at 11:35
Sue – Nothing yet. I’ve asked
#4 by Andrew S. - August 6th, 2009 at 11:50
Sounds like Rizzo just wanted to get rid of Hernandez. Not a bad move. I feel like a lot of Rizzo’s moves this year have been spent undoing stupid JimBo moves from past years (Milledge, Hanrahan, Hernandez).
#5 by cjrugger - August 6th, 2009 at 12:07
HUH?!?! Am I the only one who doesnt like Hernandez?
Does everyone realize this kid is hitting 232/297/303 this year?? And his stolen base numbers arent as impressive when you look at how much he got caught (29/43 last year, 18/26 this year).
Why trade him if that’s all we can get?
#6 by Pilchard - August 6th, 2009 at 12:40
Very unlikely that Veloz will ever contribute on the MLB level. Agree that this move simply confirms that Rizzo does not want Anderson Hernandez taking up roster space. Would not be surprised to see the Nats deal Willie Harris before the end of the month with the Nats promoting Ian Desmond for an audition.
#7 by TimDz - August 6th, 2009 at 12:46
cj: He was gone at the end of the year anyway, so getting anything for him is better than nothing at all.
#8 by Brian Oliver - August 6th, 2009 at 13:07
cj -
Player A: 20 yrs old in the Florida State League (high A) batted 229/278/295 with 15/22 SB [second full season]
Player B: 21 yrs old in Florida State League batted 232/297/303 with 18/26SB [first full season]
Player A was Anderson Hernandez. Player B is Greg Veloz
#9 by Sue Dinem - August 6th, 2009 at 13:23
Plasencia just got called up to Harrisburg. Considering that Nelson has played both corner OF slots, this makes sense. Better news: Whiting will be playing CF, with Seuss his apparent backup (we already know that Nelson, Burgess, and Valdez are LFs).
#10 by cjrugger - August 6th, 2009 at 16:51
Brian- wow, that’s kind or eerie.
However, Hernandez started 2004 in high A again and hit 309/342/396 in 37 games, got promoted to the eastern league and hit 274/326/376 in 101 games, and was in the big leagues in 2005. Let’s see if the light turns on that fast for Veloz
Tim- Why was he gone at the end of the year? I just dont understand how it was decided Gonzalez deserved a shot at the job, but Hernandez did not. Oh well…
#11 by Homer - August 7th, 2009 at 10:36
Andrew:
Why do you keep bringing up “stupid” Bowden moves. Why was acquirriing Hernandez a bad move to begin with??