There is the old saying that one never gets a second chance to make a first impression. For Nick Williams, recently acquired by the Philadelphia Phillies in the trade that sent Cole Hamels to Texas, he is certainly doing his best to make sure that first impression has been positive.
Yes, Williams has spent only two games in the Phillies system, but he has certainly made the most of them. In his nine at bats, Williams has six hits, a double and two home runs. He has scored five runs and has even chipped in a stolen base and an outfield assist. Maybe it is just two games, but Williams has already displayed the tools that made him a Top 100 prospect according to BaseballProspectus.com.
Overall, in his first full season at AA, Williams has impressed, posting a combined .307/.366/.501 batting line with 15 home runs and 11 stolen bases. His 22 doubles hint that there may be even more power potential for the 21 year old outfielder, making it possible that the Phillies have received a future star for their former ace.
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This power surge has mirrored a better approach at the plate. Prior to this season, Nick Williams had never walked more than 22 times in a season, with a mediocre 5.5% walk rate and a 25.2% strikeout rate. Thus far, as Williams has worked on his approach, trusting his hands and learning to think with the pitcher, instead of just seeing the ball and swinging. Thus far, Williams has posted an 8.7% walk rate, while striking out in only 18.1% of his at bats, both career bests. This change is allowing Williams to truly tap into his potential, letting his tools fully develop.
The Philadelpia Phillies fourth overall prospect, Williams could truly be a key piece of the team’s future. While most of the focus may have been on Jorge Alfaro, as a power hitting catcher, or on former All-Star Matt Harrison, Williams could prove to be the best player that the Phillies received, provided that his plate discipline continues.
Nick Williams has made an excellent first impression in his first two games in the Phillies system. As long as that plate discipline continues, Williams could prove to be an emerging star.
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