Skip to main content

2019 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #13 SS Arquimedes Gamboa

Gamboa with Lakewood in 2017, image- Jay Floyd
This year, shortstop Arquimedes Gamboa makes his first appearance on this countdown.  While the Venezuela native's statistics don't necessarily back up claims that he's among the Phillies' top prospects, his skill set is prevalent and he has steadily impressed many with his talent.

Signed as an international free agent in 2014 at age 16, he participated that same year in the Florida Instructional League.

The following year, he made his professional regular season debut with the short-season Rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies.  In 50 games there, the switch-hitter notched a .189 batting average with seven doubles, three triples, 16 RBI and eight stolen bases,

Another short-season campaign was in store for Gamboa in 2016 as he batted .200 with Class A Williamsport.  In 35 games there, he tallied six doubles, two home runs and five steals.

Gamboa took the step up to full-season A level Lakewood for the 2017 season. 

He missed time that season with a hamstring issue, but the average would climb quite a bit and eyes would begin to truly open regarding the six-foot 185-pounder.  In 79 games, Gamboa posted a .261 average with 12 doubles, three triples, six home runs, 29 RBI and eight stolen bases.

Last year, Gamboa moved up to Class A Advanced Clearwater, where he enjoyed a good first half and saw his production take a dip in the second half of the season.  In 59 first half contests, he sported a .261 average with 11 doubles, three triples, a homer and 20 RBI.  In 55 second half games, Gamboa batted .163 with three doubles, a triples, a homer and 17 RBI.

In the autumn months, Gamboa played with the Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League.  In 20 games there he batted .186 with two doubles, three RBI and two stolen bases.

Defense is where Gamboa will often shine the most.  He has great range and a plus arm that help him look impressive in the field.

Bat speed is a quality that stands out for Gamboa.  His ceiling may be as an average offensive contributor, but with his great ability to man a premium position, he could become an attractive addition to dozens of big league clubs.  In fact, I once overheard a scout from a particular American League powerhouse organization raving about Gamboa.

Quickness on the bases is a strength for the youngster who should be able to swipe more bags at the higher levels of the sport. 

The Phillies clearly see a bright future for the 21-year-old, as they added him to their 40-man roster in order to protect him from December's Rule 5 draft.  Gamboa should have time at the Double-A level in his future this year.

Track this year's complete Phillies top prospects countdown by clicking this link

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Prospect Nation 2012: #1 RHP Trevor May

With a massively impressive campaign in 2011 for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, right-handed starting pitcher Trevor May locked down his spot as Philadelphia's top prospect and is on the fast track toward the big leagues. He is the reigning Paul Owens Award winner, given to the top pitcher and player in the Phillies' developmental system each year. In 27 starts with the Threshers in 2011, May posted a 10-8 record with a 3.63 ERA, while striking out a Florida State League leading 208 batters in 151 1/3 innings. He also held opposing hitters to a .221 average. The Phillies' 4th round draft pick from 2008, May earned the win in the 50th annual Florida State League All-Star Game at Bright House Field last year. He also was twice named FSL Pitcher of the Week and earned Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors for June. After signing with Philadelphia, May helped lead the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies to a championship in 2008. In 5 regular

PhoulBallz Interview: RHP Ben Brown talks TJ recovery, O'Hoppe, cancelled season

Image- MiLB.com Out of action since last May when it was determined he required Tommy John surgery, righty pitching prospect Ben Brown is using the downtime of the pandemic hiatus to continue his physical recovery.  A 33rd round draft selection of the Phillies back in 2017, Brown made his professional debut that same year, posting a 2.57 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP in 10 appearances in the rookie level Gulf Coast League.  The following season, Brown began to make a name for himself in the GCL, striking out 16 batters in one July appearance.  He would post a 3.12 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 10 games (eight starts) before earning a promotion and finishing the season with a pair of outings with Class A short-season Williamsport. Brown, a Long Island, NY native, opened last year with Class A Lakewood.  In four appearances with the BlueClaws, he struck out 20, walked four and allowed no runs in 13 2/3 innings and looked well on his way to making an impact on betting odds and available promo codes

Who is Your Favorite Willie 'Mays' Hayes?

PhoulBallz.com is wondering which individual who has portrayed Willie "Mays" Hayes is the favorite of the public. Hayes, of course, is the character made famous in the Major League motion picture series. In Major League , Willie "Mays" Hayes was portrayed by budding Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes, who would go on to action movie superstardom. Snipes has starred in major motion pictures like the Blade trilogy, Passenger 57 , Undisputed and many more. Snipes remains an impact Hollywood actor, despite legal troubles related to income tax evasion. Snipes was replaced for the sequel, Major League II when his busy career, and possibly the film's budget, would not allow him to return, by Omar Epps. Another budding actor, Epps had previously worked with director David S. Ward, on the film The Program , and landed the role of Hayes, who had become a Hollywood action star over the off-season that occured between the two films. Epps' career portraying athletes rolle