Eliezer Alvarez

Position: 2B
Level: Class A
Affiliate: Peoria Chiefs
League:
Age: 21
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 165
B/T: Left / Right
Acquired: Signed as international free agent (J2), July 2, 2011 (STL)

Prospect Spotlight

Evaluation Notes: Short, lithe frame with some projection left; average bat speed with some leverage; wiry strength, average raw power; quick hands at the plate; strong wrists; cheated on fastball counts to turn on velocity in; poor plate coverage up and in; commanded the strike zone; fast hands defensively; quick first step with anticipation; average arm strength and accuracy.

Summary: Alvarez showed signs of an approach and the ability to square up his pitch with more raw strength than I expected in my viewing. He has a hole, up and in, where he can be exposed by velocity, which will be something to keep track of as he goes up against more advanced arms. His defense isn’t special, but he has a quick first step and anticipates the baseball well.  He’s currently sporting a ten-game hitting streak – including a 7-for-12 run in his last three games – and for the season he’s bumped his average up to an even .300, with a .374 OBP and 12 stolen bases.  – Mauricio Rubio