Aarom Baldiris

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Mets #20 prospect in 2006
  The Mets once saw some of Edgardo Alfonzo in Baldiris, but he has stagnated since his breakout 2003 season. He has moved from third base to second because he didn't have the power to profile at the hot corner. Though he became more aggressive at the plate in Double-A, his pop improved only marginally. Baldiris understands the strike zone but struggles with plus velocity. He has a high leg kick that may be more of a detriment than a help to him. The switch to second base didn't come easy for Baldiris. Though he has soft hands and arm strength, he looked stiff at his new position. If Jeff Keppinger returns to Norfolk, Baldiris may have to repeat Double-A.
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  Ranked New York Mets #13 prospect in 2005
  Baldiris contended for the high Class A Florida State League batting title, but he failed to show any glimpse of power potential. He has topped .300 in all but two of his eight minor league stops, but he failed to slug .400 with either of his two teams last year. Baldiris has a terrific batting eye and a solid swing that stays inside the ball as he uses the entire field. But he seems unlikely to develop power, struggling whenever he gets more pull-conscious. He gained weight in his lower half, which made him a little slower in the field. Even so, the Mets are considering moving Baldiris to second base in Double-A this year. He tried the position in instructional league, and he would have more value as a top-of-the-order hitter if he can handle the position switch. His arm and soft hands would be an asset at second base, though there are questions about whether he would have enough range, as his foot speed is a tick below-average. If he remains at third base, he doesn't have enough pop to profile for the position--and he'll never dislodge David Wright from the hot corner.
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  Ranked New York Mets #11 prospect in 2004
  Baldiris has topped .300 in all but one of his six minor league stops. The only thing that has slowed his ascent was a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the entire 2001 season. Baldiris wears No. 13, just like his boyhood hero Edgardo Alfonzo, and they have similar games. Both hit for average with line-drive power and slick gloves. Baldiris shows an advanced approach and the ability to stay inside the ball. If pitchers try to bust him inside, he can turn on pitches and flash power. He exudes patience and makes good contact. At third base, he has outstanding range to his left, good hands and an average arm. Big league teams want more power at third base than Baldiris has shown to this point. If he doesn't add more pop as he fills out, he could move to second base. Baldiris' August demotion was a clear attempt to stack Brooklyn for the New York-Penn League playoffs and no reflection on his play. He'll move to high Class A in 2004, one step behind David Wright.