Bats: Right; Throws: Right
2011 Stats (A- Lake County/ A+ Kinston): .284, 23 HR, 82 RBI, .865 OPS, 2.74 K/BB
You want right handed power? I've got your right handed power right here. While there is nothing fringe about Aguilar's prospect status, he is ranked higher on this list than he might be because he fits the bill of the Indian's most dire need at the big league level. Jesus burst onto the scene last year by stroking 19 long balls and a .915 OPS in 95 games for Lake County. He showed some growing pains in his transition to High-A pitching, but he was by no means embarrassed (.257, .712 OPS). While Jesus' upside as an imposing power guy is obvious, he does have significant opportunity areas. The first is his K/BB ratio. He tends to pile up strikeouts quickly and has particular issue with the breaking ball down and out. The only way to solve this problem is with repetition and recognition. As Aguilar continues to accumulate ABs against better and better breaking pitches, his sound approach will reassert itself and the acclimation will come. The benefit of habit should also be felt in the field. Although Jesus' defensive is currently sub-par, scouts feel that he has the tools and athleticism to become, at least, an average first baseman. Expect Aguilar to begin 2012 with the new Carolina team at High-A (that's Kinston relocated) and to advance to Akron if his power numbers warrant promotion. I'll tell you this, strikeouts or no, if he continues jerk it out of the park as he advances, he could be splashing the home run porch by late 2013.
Up Next: #7 - RHP CC Lee
