Reading shortstop Edgar Duran is among the ranks of prospects that is better known for his defense that he is for his efforts at the plate. Featuring great range and a quick throwing release, the 23-year-old Venezuelan often makes pressing plays look easy.
After flashing his leather in a contest in Trenton on Saturday night, Duran had the key hit in a 7-1 Fightins victory. In the 8th inning after top Yankees draft pick right-hander Jacob Lindgren loaded the bases while issuing three walks and was removed in favor of lefty Francisco Rondon, the righty hitting Duran slapped a bases clearing double down the left field line. He clearly can do things with the bat as well. See the video player below for footage of Duran's big hit.
In 104 games with Double-A Reading this season, the 5-foot-11 155-pounder is batting .224 with four homers and 25 RBI. He also played in 14 games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season.
Also captured on video is this clip, seen in the media player below, of righty pitching prospect Severino Gonzalez squaring off with righty hitting Trenton catcher Gary Sanchez. In the footage, Gonzalez's breaking ball is featured on all three pitches, resulting in a swing-and-miss on the second offering and inducing a ground ball out on the third.
Gonzalez won the Paul Owens Award last year as the top pitcher in the Phillies' developmental ranks. This season, the 21-year-old Panama native has tallied a 9-13 record along with a 4.59 ERA and a 6.52 K/9 mark in 27 starts. He wrapped up the regular season with a 2.53 ERA in his final five outings after skipping a start for some much needed rest.
