by Marc Hefferan
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2011 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League NL Hitting Performance of the Week
SS Joseph Panik, Short-Season Salem-Keizer (SF)
season stats: .354 BA, 5 HR, 45 RBI, 7 2B, 2 3B, 22 BB, 20 K, 11 SB in 54 games
August 10-August 16: 13-for-27, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 2 2B, 3 BB, 3 SB
Three years ago when the ‘Under the Radar’ feature was instituted, we at MLBDepthCharts wanted to make sure that the players chosen each week fell under a particular set of criteria. We created a code that challenged us to make fresh choices ensuring that the 'Under the Radar' principle would stand the test of time. This code has helped springboard UTR’s success in discovering players that are clearly on the rise. However, we also know of loopholes in which players can fall through. We set the criteria based on pre-season forecasts, but once an influx of new draftees invade a system it becomes a chance for us to highlight players before the window closes in on those who could quite possibly find themselves on top of their organizational prospect lists. I feel this could very well be the case with Panik, this week’s UTR pick.
The 20 year-old, who was the Giants' 1st Round pick in June, could eventually surpass the top middle infield prospects in the system, such as Brandon Crawford, Ehire Adrianza, and Charlie Culberson. The Giants seem convinced that the St. John’s product will be an above average defender with an eventual move from shortstop to second base. The 6'1" Panik is known for his controlled approach at the plate, great range, solid hands, and a grinder mentality that he brings to the diamond every day. Even though he was viewed as the top shortstop in the draft, the Giants were mildly criticized for choosing Panik 29th overall. Nevertheless, the left-handed hitter is quieting those select critics with his performance in the Northwest League, where he is the league leader in batting average (.353), hits (73), RBI (45), and total bases (99). The addition of Panik is a step in the right direction to improve a system lacking in hitting prospects.
Honorable Mentions
2B Rylan Sandoval, Hi-A St. Lucie (NYM): .229 BA, 8 HR, 33 RBI, 14 2B, 18 BB, 70 K, 2 SB in 83 games; 12-for-25, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 4 2B, 5 BB in last week
SS Travis Whitmore, Short-Season Eugene (SD): .309 BA, HR, 27 RBI, 13 2B, 4 3B, 22 BB, 42 K, 3 SB in 49 games; 12-for-23, 7 RBI, 3 2B, 3B in last week Click HERE to follow Marc Hefferan on Twitter.
UTR Minor League NL Pitching Performance of the Week
UTR Minor League AL Performances of the Week - posted later today
Under the Radar 2011 Archive
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