No player likes to repeat a level of the minors. I am sure when assignments were handed out earlier this month, there were some who expressed disappointment at going back to the same team they ended last year with, but proving you have improved is a great way to minimize your time there. Here is a look at a few former G'stros who are making the most of their repeats.
Jose Altuve - Lancaster - After hitting .276 in the last 31 games of the '10 season, and then tearing up the LVBP in his native Venezuela in winter ball, there were expectations Jose would be at AA. He is showing he is ready for a higher level of play with his hot start in Lancaster. Through his first 10 games, he is hitting .378 with 5 extra base hits and 5 for 6 stolen bases.
Jay Austin - Lancaster - Jay was one of the youngest players in the California League last year. He struggled some, hitting .261 and his OBP was lower than expected at .314. Through 10 games, Jay is hitting .341 and his OBP has jumped to .438. One of the most exciting things to see on his stat sheet is the 7 walks in 41 AB he has already taken this season. He only took 39 in 532 AB last season. He still won't be 21 until August so he is still relatively young for the league.
Brad Dydalewicz - Lexington - He was successful here in 2009, but 2010 was rough. He struggled first at Lancaster and then struggled more after he was sent back to Lexington. Three years in the same uni is never good. Brad is trying to minimize his time in Lexington this season with two solid starts so far in 2011. His sample size is small but there is some hope there.
J. D. Martinez - Corpus Christi - J. D. jumped from Lexington to Corpus last year for the last 50 games. He made contact (.302 average) but his power dropped hitting only 13 extra base hits in that span. After some time in big league spring training, he is back with the Hooks and is showing growth. He has a hit in each of his first nine games and six of his 13 hits are of the extra base variety. He is tied for the league lead with 15 RBIs.
Jiovanni Mier - Lexington - Jio struggled with the adjustment to Lexington last year. He hit only .235 and saw his OPS drop to .637. After gaining back 20 lbs. and working on his mental approach, he is off to a solid start in Lexington this season. After hitting his first HR last night, his average is sitting at .300 and his OPS is a solid .914.
Wlad Sutil - Corpus Christi - You never want to be a player who earns the title of "First player to play in 300 games" for any minor league team. Wlad earned that title earlier this week during his 3rd season with the Hooks. He got a chance at AAA last season but ended the year back at CC. This season he is there again but he is not letting anyone ignore his play. With 17 hits in his first 9 games, he is hitting .436 and is getting on base at a .500 clip. For a player who is know for his glove first, this is an eye opening start to his season.
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