Top Prospect
Alert
Travis Dawkins: When this 20-year-old
shortstop made his major league debut in September 1999 he became the
youngest Red player to reach the majors since Johnny Bench in 1967.
Originally a second round pick in 1997, Dawkins had a great 1999. He
began the season at Single-A Rockford (.272, 305 at bats, eight homers, 32
RBI, 10 doubles, six triples, 56 runs scored, 35 walks, 38 strikeouts and
38 steals). Dawkins was then promoted to Double-A Chattanooga (.364, 129
at bats, two home runs, 13 RBI, seven doubles, 24 runs scored, 14 walks,
17 strikeouts and 15 steals). Finally, his season ended in the majors,
where "Gookie" hit .143 in seven at bats (one run scored and four
strikeouts). In between these stops he played in the Pan-Am Games and
batted .273. All of this was done by a 20-year-old.
At 6-foot-1 and 180-pounds, this righty hitter had previously hit .241
with four home runs, 37 RBI, and 16 steals at Rookie-level Billings in
1997. A .264 average at Class-A Burlington went with one homer, 30 RBI and
37 steals. While at Class-A Rockford, Dawkins had hit .300 with 10 home
runs, 45 RBI, 53 stolen bases and 80 runs scored.
Dawkins is right at, or near, the top of the list for best middle
infield prospect in all of baseball. His ability reminds me of current
Reds gold glover Pokey Reese. In the long run I like Dawkins better, as
his fielding may prove to be just a bit better and Dawkins has a much
higher offensive upside. He is not cut from the Garciaparra/A-Rod mold.
Instead, he looks like a future leadoff hitter, capable of leading the
league in steals, piling up infield hits and batting .300+. I like the
ability he has shown in making consistent contact at the plate, especially
for someone his age.
Look for Dawkins to spend 2000 at Triple-A with a late season call-up a
very real possibility. He's the successor to Barry Larkin and along with
Reese will form one of the best double play combos in the majors. There
have been many rumors of Ken Griffey Jr. going to Cincinnati in a trade.
If it happens, the Reds will certainly be forced to include this future
all star in the deal. Dawkins is just starting to show some of his
potential and he will only get better.
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