Hot Prospect - Balbino Fuenmayor 3B, Lansing

Today's hot prospect is Balbino Fuenmayor, 3B for the Lansing squad. The Jays have had a hard time filling up the hot corner from within since Ed Sprague left the team. The Jays signed Balbino to a $1.5 million contract in hopes that he or Kevin Ahrens would be able to be that guy, but both had rough beginnings to their minors careers.

Balbino is 6'3", and has put on about 40 lbs since signing his contract with the Jays - he now sits at a hefty 235 lbs. The beginning to his 2009 season has been horrific, with his average sitting below the mendozza line. But he has recently gotten hot at the plate and has hit .344 over his last 10 games, with 2 doubles and a home run. If you wonder where Balbino's problems lie, look no further than his walks. He has only walked once, that's right once, in 118 ABs while striking out 1/3 of the time. So the fact that he has been able to hit .344 over the last 10 games is very encouraging and he may finally steal some time from Mark Sobolewski at 3B for Lansing. At his size, Balbino should be able to create some power, but thus far it's been scarce to say the least with only 3 homers.

Maybe this hot streak is the beginning for Balbino. I'll update at end of June on his progression.