This year we’ll be releasing our top 25 list in conjunction with the people over at Bernie’s Crew,
which means the list is going to posted somewhat out of order to match
up with what Jim has for his Top 25. An up-to-date list of the Between the Green Pillars Top 25 can be found at the bottom of the page.
Erik
Komatsu / OF / 5’10” 190 LBS / Born 10/1/87
The Brewers had 6 picks in the first two rounds of the 2008 June draft, but none of them managed to match the performance of 8th round pick Erik Komatsu in their first pro year. While it shouldn’t be a surprise that a senior from a powerhouse program like Cal State Fullerton would get off to a good start in the minor leagues, Komatsu made one wonder why he stayed on the board so long.
Komatsu played for three different programs in his four years, and his senior season was a preview of what was to come. He posted an OPS of 1.052 and walked 36 times while only striking out 24 in 231 AB’s for the Titans. After signing quickly with Milwaukee, he hit the ground running hitting pretty much from the get go with Helena in the Pioneer League. In 277 AB’s, his overall line (.321/.394/.538/.932) sparkled and his BB/K rate (30/42) stayed excellent. He hit for power (19 2B, 11 HR) and showed solid speed (4 3B and 8 SB). In short, he did everything you could possibly ask a guy to do.
He’s not the biggest guy in the world, but given the fact that he was hit by 18 pitches in about 500 AB’s total last year, he clearly isn’t afraid to stand in and take punishment. He’ll open 2009 in Appleton, but if he continues to impress don’t be surprised if he winds up in Brevard before the end of the year. The natural comparison given his size and discipline is Shane Victorino, though with less speed and maybe a tad more power. He was, after all, a 6th round pick himself. Komatsu is a ways away and probably is limited to corner OF duty, but he’s an intriguing prospect and this is an important year for him.
Between the Green Pillars Top 25 Prospects:
# 25: Evan Frederickson
# 24: Cody Adams
#23: Alex Periard
#22: Brent Brewer
#21: Brad Nelson
#20: RJ Seidel
#19: Tim Dillard
# 18: Seth Lintz# 17: Efrain Nieves