Gabrielle O. Alvarez-Tillman - Contributing Reporter
Who is the next big Atlanta Expo? There are a few owners in the league that often dabble in the international market but only with the big names, Atlanta is one of those teams. Signed out of Costa Rica, Alex brings an amazing glove with him to the States. Potential for a few Gold Gloves at Shortstop is only the surface of what he brings to the table. But let's get to that in a minute, because he signs as a 21 yr old who better than some everyday Shortstops already playing in the majors, no offense to Mark Cuddyer who isn't even the best SS on his team. Some say he has a pretty nasty 4-seam fastball as well, though he looks a lot like Ricky Vaughn.
Background aside, who exactly is this future Gold Glove Shortstop? He's Brandon Stevens if he couldn't hit righties as well as he does. As it stands today, along with that glove the eye is ready for the majors. He has potential to be the most accurate arm in the majors and that's saying something. Paired with the right player at second base, imagine the number of double plays they'll turn. Forget that your starting pitcher just walked his 5th batter. He's up there with the Shawn Longs, Sal Thompsons, among others. He might not have the power of Long, but should fun to watch him develop. I've seen lesser bats hit .245-.260 over 500 ABs.
At this point the IFA might as well be closed, but there are a few trickling in. We'll see what happens in the last few remaining days of the regular season.