FanPost

Comparing Rios to Gutierrez

It may seem crazy to compare Franklin to a current All-Star (yes, whose power numbers are a tad inflated), but I see our situation with Franklin as similar to what the Jays went through in 2004 with Rios.

Even though he didn't have a single major league AB prior to 2004, they gave him 400+ ABs to see what he could do. His power numbers were atrocious (1 HR), but he did hit .286, which earned him a spot on the next season's team. He still only had 10 HR and 59 RBI playing the entire season in 2005, but the Jays patience has certainly paid off this season.

Having watched Rios a bunch this season, I definitely do see some comparisons. Their swings are very similar, they have similar body types, they are both above-average outfielders, neither showed exceptional power in the minors, and both will likely be .280 hitters for their career.

The clear difference as far as I can see is that Rios hit righties and lefties pretty well equally from the beginning of his career, whereas Gutz has been shaky against righties. And of course Gutz just isn't getting the at-bats that Rios did early in his career to prove himself as a viable starter for future seasons.

Only way we're going to see if we've got a Rios on our hands is to give him a legit shot.

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