Eric Longenhagen Prospects Chat: 5/22/26
| 12:45 |
: Hey from the shade at Scottsdale Stadium as the Zags and Dons stretch for this morning’s elimination game. I’m here to see Karsten Sweum and Mikey Bell, among others. Sorry my attention will be divided but it’s conference tourney time and we’ve all just gotta do what we’ve gotta.
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| 12:45 |
: One other question, with Esmerlyn Valdez coming up today, what are you thoughts on him? What is his upside for the Pirates?
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| 12:46 |
: I updated his tool grades and report on The Board and on his player page. Here is a brief version:
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| 12:48 |
: Selectivity, power, less pull ability than last year, really late on a lot of heaters so far. Bad defense. 45. Nice piece, 5-thru-7 hole bat with OBP and power. I don’t believe in the year over year improvement in his K% and still think he’s a 40 contact hitter and barely playable on defense, so not a true “everyday” guy, but still a contributing piece.
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| 12:48 |
: Happy Friday. When yous were doing the Cubs list, was there any feedback that Juan Cabada may end up in the OF? Or is there high confidence for the IF?
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| 12:49 |
: Second base but not great there.
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