Baldoquin will start in Minors after Angels Change Mind

Despite signing for $8 million only a month ago, recent Angels’ international signee Roberto Baldoquin will reportedly not be at Major League Spring Training nor have a chance at making the Opening Day roster.  Los Angeles originally said Baldoquin, the Cuban infield prospect, would get that opportunity, but they reevaluated their decision this week.

General Manager Jerry Dipoto told the OC Register:

"“I don’t know the best way to develop Roberto Baldoquin is to take him from facing no one and putting him out there to face Clayton Kershaw. There are easier ways to develop than that.”"

Only 20, Baldoquin is far advanced for his age and could be the Angels starting shortstop in 2016 if he shows substantial progress and Erick Aybar is traded. He has not played live baseball much since defecting from Cuba last year. He has been training in the Dominican Republic, but training and playing are two entirely different situations.

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However, with Aybar already entrenched at shortstop, the Angels can afford to be patient with their new addition.  He’ll begin the season at Class-A Inland Empire, but will likely reach Double-A Arkansas within the first couple of months.  Considering the fact that he hasn’t faced competition for over a year, the Los Angeles Angels front office doesn’t want to rush him against major league competition.

If his talent holds up to the par expected, he could speed up that timetable.  With an unproven Josh Rutledge at second base and the Angels starting a veteran-laden lineup, Baldoquin may have a chance to supplant Rutledge should he struggle in the latter point of the season.  With soft hands and a strong arm, Baldoquin would easily be able to handle the position defensively.  At the plate, he has above average strike-zone awareness and should be able to drive the ball to all areas of the field. 

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That well-rounded bevy of talent will make it difficult for Dipoto to keep him in the minors for too long no matter how much the organization would like to avoid rushing him.  With the Angels looking to win and Rutledge striking out nearly 25 percent of the time with the Rockies in 2014, it shouldn’t shock anyone if Baldoquin makes a strong push for a roster spot after a few months in the minors.