In 10 words or fewer: $15 million Cuban import an absolute flop in first season.
Position: SS | Age (2016): 22
Bats: R | Throws: R
Height: 5’11″ | Weight: 185
2015 Rank: 3
OFFENSE
Contact – C. Baldoquin’s swing can get a little long and slow at times, which makes him both susceptible to a decent fastball and well located off-speed pitches. The strikeouts were hardly the least of his problems, but it should be noted this isn’t a particular strength either.
Power – C. This is a pretty relative grade. Middle infielders don’t hit with a ton of power as is, and Baldoquin certainly didn’t in his first season of pro ball. However, as a natural skill set, Baldoquin actually has “plus” power for a middle infielder, but that has yet to surface in games, either in Cuba or America.
Discipline – F. None whatsoever in his first season. This was always a questionable area of his skillset though and to see him flounder in his first season in this department wasn’t altogether surprising.
Speed – C. What was believed to be Roberto’s weakest tool ended up being his more accurately scouted. He has average speed. That’s it. Maybe a couple SB per season.
DEFENSE
Arm – D. As far as arm strength goes, as a shortstop Baldoquin is pretty run of the mill Enough to remain at the position, but not enough to be considered above average really. It’s the accuracy that’s a huge problem with him. It improved as the year progressed, but this is still not a good skill.
Fielding – B+. Probably the best skill I saw from Baldoquin was his ability to pick it. He’s got a VERY good glove and is sure handed out there at shortstop.
Range – C He really isn’t that fast to begin with, so the concept of having average range for a shortstop is a victory on it’s own.
OVERALL
Performance – F. Coming to the United States to play professional baseball is not an easy transition, to say the least. There are language barriers, new routines, higher levels of play, higher expectations, and just an entirely different culture. I understand how difficult it is to come to a completely new place and try to succeed. I did so when I was 19 years old and by my own assessment, failed miserably, so I sympathize with Baldoquin here. I’m guessing we don’t even know the half of it. I’m willing to give him a pass on his first season because of all the other factors, along with being out of organized baseball for over a year in his attempt to leave the island. Having said that, he was at an age appropriate league by most standards, and just did not look comfortable at all out there.
Projection – B. I’m assuming Roberto is much better than what we saw last year. So if we assume he’s as good as his skills may dictate, then I think you’re looking at an offensive minded SS or 2B in the major leagues. Certainly not a star but perhaps one that comes near Howie Kendrick’s offensive ability.
What to expect in 2016 – I expect Baldoquin will return to Inland Empire in an attempt to grow and show a little more of what he has to offer here.
Most Likely Scenario – Baldoquin becomes more comfortable in the United States, and his hard work and athletic ability will slot him in a utility infielder role on the field in the major leagues and clubhouse leader off the field.
Grade as a Prospect – C+. Too much promise to grade lower. Too much invested.
Estimated Time of Arrival – 2019. Right around age 25.
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