The Dominican Summer League (and Venezuelan Summer League) is somewhat enigmatic for prospect watchers. There’s not a whole lot of good information or firsthand reports from there, and many of the circuit’s top performers come to the US, go to Rookie ball, and flop.
That said, there’s one DSL prospect who’s excelling so much that he’s impossible for me to ignore.
Orlando Arcia (not to be confused with Twins outfield prospect Oswaldo Arcia) is a DSL player for the Brewers, an organization that needs to start getting some young talent together at the lower levels for the post-Prince Fielder/Zack Greinke/Shaun Marcum/Ryan Braun future.
Arcia’s hitting .322/.423/.533 for the DSL Brewers, which is one heck of a batting line. His entire statline drips with across-the-board excellence–how about a 13/23 K/BB in 46 games, with 20 extra-base hits and nine steals?
And to top it all off, Arcia is a shortstop.
A 16-year-old shortstop.
Of course, 20-year-olds, and even 19-year-olds to an extent, are considered a bit “old” for the DSL, but 16-year-0lds are still very young for that level. And here’s a 16-year-old shortstop in the top five in the league in OPS. In fact, if you sort the DSL leaders by OPS, you get this:
1.) Jesus Vasquez, outfielder, born 12/10/91 (Pirates; 1.127 OPS)
2.) Robelys Reyes, second baseman, born 7/25/90 (Cardinals; 1.125 OPS)
3.) Amaury Capellan, outfielder, born 9/30/92 (Cardinals; 1.021 OPS)
4.) Janelfry Zorrilla (what a name!), outfielder, born 9/2/90 (Mariners; .970 OPS)
5.) Orlando Arcia, shortstop, born 8/4/94 (Brewers; .956 OPS)
Reyes just turned 21, Zorrilla’s a month away from turning 21, Vasquez is 19, Capellan is nearing his 19th birthday, and Arcia has yet to turn 17. Arcia’s age really sets him apart, not to mention that he’s playing a very difficult defensive position.
Of course, given the lack of firsthand information and scouting from the DSL, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether Arcia will stay at short, but at least he’s shown some speed with the steals, and his listed height (6’0″) and weight (165) don’t scream for a position change.
Arcia was originally signed for $95,000, so he was clearly somewhat coveted by teams, although he wasn’t a full-blown bonus baby. Even if he has to move to second base in the future, it seems like this is a bat to watch. Given his youth, Arcia will have the luxury of having several years to figure things out in the minors. His performance when he comes to the US will definitely merit close attention.
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