Arizona Diamondbacks’ Prospect Adam Eaton Wins PCL MVP; What’s Next?

When I first heard Adam Eaton was a Triple A prospect of the Arizona Diamondbacks, I immediately flashed back to the former Phillies’ first round pick from 1996. I thought maybe he was going the Rick Ankiel route and converting himself to an outfielder. After Eaton began excelling at Reno which culminated in winning Pacific Coast League MVP Award, I don’t think I will make the same mistake again. The question is will Adam Eaton the MVP fit into the plans of the D-Backs in 2013?

It is no secret that the offense of Arizona at times has been inept this season. It is also true that manager Kirk Gibson has never settled on a true leadoff hitter. If Eaton has half the numbers he put up this season at AAA, he is a most worthy candidate. Anyone who bats .381, no matter what level of minor league baseball, deserves a long look. At 5 foot 8 and 185 pounds with 38 stolen bases, Eaton would seem to be the perfect leadoff guy. It is not just this season that Eaton has hit. He owns a .355 average throughout his minor league career to go along with a .456 on-base average and .510 in slugging. Clearly, he has earned a shot with the big club. It will remain to be seen if we seem him in Arizona in 2012.

If Eaton does make the team out of Spring Training, who would be the odd man out? Both Chris Young and Jason Kubel will be entering the final years on their contracts. There is also the Justin Upton trade rumors that will dominate the offseason. Gerardo Parra is arbitration eligible so he probably will be around. This Winter will be full of questions surrounding the outfield of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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