The Book on Yonder Alonso
Prospect Info
Yonder Alonso
Born 4/8/1987
1B, CIN
In addition to having the best name in the 2008 draft class, Yonder Alonso is also one of the strongest power hitters of his generation, probably the premium 1B slugger in the minors right now. After he signed too late to play more than a few pro games in 2008, Alonso fans had to wait for Hawaiian winter ball to see his stuff. Alonso finished in the top ten in most offensive categories on the islands, and followed that up with a 2009 season that saw him reach as high as AA Carolina (an acceptable .295/.372/.457 in 29 games).
He's adequate but no gold-glover in the field, which means he's probably locked at first base. While his bat is hot, the Reds choice was odd, since they already have Joey Votto just settling in for the next decade. But if he lives up to his early sheen, Alonso will force Votto into the outfield, or onto a different MLB roster, very very soon.
Ranking in ScoutingBook (3/12/2010): #35 
Ranking in Baseball America 2010: #45
Ranking in Baseball Prospectus: Unranked
Ranking in MiLB.com 2010 Season Preview: #30
Ranking from the Sporting News: Unranked
Ranking from ESPN: #76
Player Updates and Notes
Yonder Alonso is being sent all the way down to A-level Sarasota to begin the season, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Alonso, the Reds' number one draft pick a season ago and probably the team's top hitting prospect, 'still has a lot to learn' according to coaches.
4/4/2009 by BallGrrrl
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