Game Report: Francisco Peguero, OF, San Francisco Giants

Francisco Peguero (0-5, 1 K) - At 20, Francisco Peguero posted a .285/.330/.393 line across two levels while swiping 25 bags in 29 attempts during the 2008 season. Currently scheduled for short season baseball once again, Peguero lasted only 25 at bats in the Sally before being demoted. While a .280/.333/.320 line isn't a horrendous micro sample from a lead off type hitter, I was not particularly impressed with his all around game.

On offense, I was pleased with Peguero's first two at bats as he worked deep counts and hit ground balls back up the middle which I believed at the time to be the work of a speedster attempting to play up to his strengths. However, as he showed the inability to lay down a bunt, or make solid contact, I began to think his first couple of at bats were more the product of a player not being able to get around on a good fastball than anything else. With his lanky build, I openly wonder if pitchers wouldn't be well served to just throw fastballs in in an attempt to knock the bat out of his hands.

When trying to leg out a couple of ground balls, Peguero showed above average foot speed, but nothing to make me say "wow." However, I may be downplaying his running ability a bit as it's quite possible his longer strides could make him seem slower than he actually was.

I wasn't able to really gauge Peguero on defense as it takes 3-4 games to accurately judge an outfielders range and arm strength due to lack of fielding opportunities. With his long stride and foot speed, I would assume Peguero is able to cover gap to gap. If my memory serves me correctly, he did attempt to throw a runner out at third base from center field charging a single and the throw itself wasn't particularly strong for a player whose momentum was taking him in the direction of the play.

Overall, Peguero did nothing to stand out as a player worthy of much attention. His contact skills left much to be desired and he looked to me like an eight or nine hitter in the making. Players like Peguero who rely on speed simply need to get on base more than he does. Additionally, he needs to show the ability to drive the ball a little bit or else opponents will show him little respect leading to fewer bloopers and line drives falling in.