A closer look at Diamondbacks minor-leaguers
September 1, 2012Jon Griffin: At 6 feet 7 and 250 pounds, Griffin has the kind of power you'd expect out of a first baseman his size. But there's more to his approach at the plate than just that, High-A Visalia manager Jason Hardtke said. Cheap snapbacks
"Typically, big men like that have an all-or-nothing approach, and Jon is completely different than that," Hardtke said. "He's up there battling, and if he gets to two strikes, he's a smart hitter who will stick with his approach and take what the pitcher gives him."
After an impressive debut for short-season Missoula last season, Griffin put up good numbers for Visalia, hitting .300 with 26 homers, a .363 on-base and .511 slugging. He was promoted this week to Double-A Mobile to help out in a playoff push.
Griffin's path has some similarities to another homegrown Diamondbacks first baseman. Like Paul Goldschmidt, Griffin played at a lower-profile college program (Central Florida) and wasn't a high draft pick. Both have good raw power but came to the organization with questions about their overall hitting and defensive abilities.
It's a comparison people in the Diamondbacks organization have made, although they do so cautiously.
"Not everyone is going to get to the majors as quickly as (Goldschmidt) did and have the impact as quickly," Hardtke said. "I think Jon has proven to this point that he's not far behind where Goldy was."
Hardtke says Griffin's defense is far better than advertised, but that he's most impressed with Griffin's approach. Hardtke said it was a topic of conversation at home plate while exchanging lineup cards with an opposing manager.
The night before, Griffin had fallen behind 0-2 in consecutive at-bats but wound up getting hits both times, impressing Stockton manager Webster Garrison.
"He makes good adjustments," Hardtke said. "It was a good example of taking what they give you and putting the ball in play." Cheap new era snapbacks
Around the farm: Triple-A Reno entered play Thursday with a magic number of two to clinch a second consecutive division title. The Aces have stumbled down the stretch, going 5-14 since Aug. 11. ... Double-A Mobile RHP Evan Marshall has struggled in the second half, posting a 5.24 ERA after having a 1.85 ERA before the All-Star break. ... Joining Griffin in Double-A is 1B Yazy Arbelo, who hit 21 homers for High-A Visalia before the promotion. ... Low-A South Bend SS Sean Jamieson, acquired from Oakland in the Stephen Drew trade, is 11 for 35 (.314) in nine games since the trade.
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