A look at the Arkansas Travelers
By john • Feb 16th, 2007 • Category: arkansas travelers, minor leaguesI’m going to take a quick look at the roster of the 2006 Arkansas Travelers. To avoid posting everyone on the roster (some guys who will likely be back with the team next season) I’m only going to include hitters with 200 or more at bats and pitchers who pitched more then 35 innings unless I have something noteworthy to say about them.
Unlike most other teams that played in the Texas League in 2006, I didn’t get to see the Travelers but one time. So with that being said this post will be far shorter then most of the others, as I don’t want to write too much about guys I didn’t see.
BATTERS
Aaron Peel - An 11th round pick who has developed nicely . Starting to look like he a legit major leaguer.
Brandon Wood - At 21 years of age the shortstop has been at the top of most prospects lists for years now. He’s probably going to grow his way out of playing shortstop but looks to be a good third basemen. He reminds me alot of Troy Glaus. The Angels should be quite happy with that.
Eric Rodland - Formerly of the Tigers. Rodland hasn’t produced as well as hoped. At 26 he hit .300 with a .394 OBP in the Texas League. He may still be a useful bench player.
Bobby Wilson - a 48th round pick in 2002. He’s not shown that he can be a reliable bat at getting on base. With the Angels satisfied with their current trio of catchers in the majors Wilson will be allowed to develop.
Dwaine Bacon - Managed to climb to AAA in the Cubs system, dispite showing little. Not much here. Maybe a few more years in the minors then done.
Nathan Haynes - Made his way back to organized baseball after playing in the indepent leagues to start the season. Shouldn’t be considered much.
Terry Evans - Acquired in the Jeff Weaver trade. People are probably jumping on him too hugh. Did a pretty good job this season after spending parts of 5 seasons in A-ball or the Rookie League. 2007 will be a make or break season for him if he’s gonna push his way into a regular role. I’m thinking 4th OF here.
Devin Day - 25 years old and hitting just .168 in Double-A. Day’s nothing more then a backup at this level.
PITCHERS
Rafael Rodriguez - While just 21, it’s worth noting that this was Rodriguez’s 5th season in the Angels system. Aside from a 5-2 2.78 ERA in 2005 at Cedar Rapids he’s done little. He’s 31-36 with a 5.11 ERA over those 5 years. I wasn’t impressed with what I saw. Being considered one of their Top Prospects I find it a little odd that he was the pitcher I saw in the one game I went to.
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