More Notes from the Old Cal Fall League

The other day I mentioned an old article at Ducksnorts that talked about a bunch of big leaguers I saw before they reached the Show. Well, I found another article with more players. Some highlights:

[Mets infielder Ty] Wigginton, a second baseman, reminded me a bit of Braves prospect Marcus Giles, a fellow San Diegan who doesn’t quite look like he belongs out there. At 6′0″, 200 lbs., Wigginton looks more like a fireplug than a middle infielder. He looked a bit slow in the field, particularly to his right, and I have doubts that he’ll remain at second base. If he has the arm, a move to third base wouldn’t be out of the question. He’s got the bat for it. Wigginton is extremely aggressive at the plate. On more than one occasion, he took a vicious cut at (and missed) the first pitch he saw, then worked the count in his favor before taking another vicious cut. One of his swings resulted in a line drive homer 410 feet to left center (for which he was rewarded by another passing of the cap). Wigginton probably won’t be able to get away with being that aggressive when he moves up the ladder and faces pitchers who can locate a little better, but his stroke is reasonably short and he appears to have a plan.

. . .

This was the second time I’d seen [Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Mike] Gonzalez. He left the same impression this time as he had the first — live arm for a lefty; spotty command and control. He should get lots of chances to succeed.

. . .

Finally, outfielders Juan Pierre (Rockies) and Michael Restovich (Twins) looked promising. Pierre is a lefty-swinging centerfielder who slashes at the ball, puts it in play, and runs like crazy. He takes pitches, bunts well, and generally looks like a guy who could prove useful to Colorado down the line.

I miss the California Fall League…