As Brandon pointed out yesterday, the Phillies are weak in first base prospects, but that is also the case at the second base position. This article doesn’t include Quinn or Crawford possibly switching to second base with both being top shortstop prospects, although that isn't out of the question.
Andrew Pullin (2013-Williamsport)- Drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 draft, Pullin, 20, has impressed scouts. Originally drafted as an outfielder, the Phillies quickly start to transition him into a second baseman. Speed is one of Pullin’s best tools and gives him great range in the infield. He is already a polished hitter and should have average power as he matures. Pullin hit .261/.283/.412 in 51 games. As the numbers show, Pullin needs to be a little more patient at the plate. With that said, he still probably played well enough to move to Lakewood.
Alejandro Villalobes (2013-Lakewood)- Kind of an under the radar guy, Villalobes, 22, is from Venezuela. He was brought stateside in 2011 after playing just five games in the Venezuela Summer League and 57-plate appearances. There are very few scouting report about him, but looking at his numbers from last year he hit, .272/.323/.335 but has only hit two home runs in his minor league carreer. Villalobes most likely upside is a bench player with good contact. Look for Villalobes to move to Clearwater this year.
Cesar Hernandez (2013- REA/LV/PHL)- Many on you probably heard of Cesar Hernandez, as he played 34 games with the big club in 2013. He is a true second baseman, although the Phillies have experimented with him in center field. At the age of 23, Hernandez is still a young prospect and has a strong chance to compete with Freddy Galvis for a job off the bench in 2014. As many remember, Hernandez held his own in the Majors hitting .289/.344/.331 and displayed good defense at 2nd base. Many compare Hernandez to Galvis, with little less defense but a better bat. It should be interesting to see if he wins a job in Spring Training.
Tomorrow we will continue our series with third baseman.
Andrew Shipotofsky is a contributor to Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @AShipotofsky
