H/W: 5-11 175 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 2/26/89
Drafted in the 3rd round last year, Vasquez signed early and immediately put up some solid numbers at short season Low-A Johnson City, batting .317 with 4 HR 25 RBI 8 SB and 42 runs scored in 55 games. His fine performance earned him a promotion to Low-A Quad Cities where he promptly struggled, managing just 5 hits in 39 AB. Vasquez has power that belies his demure build. He generates tremendous torque with his quick right-handed swing that prompts some scouts to speculate that he can become a 20-25 HR hitter at the major league level. He has shown the ability to take a walk and work deep into counts, but his K rate is too high (69 K in 66 games) for someone with his average power numbers. Defensively, Vasquez has below average speed, but his sure hands and strong accurate arm mitigate errors and should allow for him to stay at the position throughout his development.
2009 Projection: Vasquez should get another shot at Quad Cities and should put up better numbers. Monitor the power progress and also his ability to mitigate his K totals. If he doesn't, he will see a precipitous drop in his batting average numbers. The Redbirds have slick fielding Pete Kozma tabbed as their SS of the future which could mean that Vasquez may need to move to 3B down the road. His arm and good instincts would make him a good fit, but the power would need to progress to a more acceptable level in order to ensure his long term viability at that position.
Key Niko Vasquez Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1499
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra TOTC Auto #/494
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 Niko Vasquez 2008 Donruss Elite Xtra Ed Card 78 US $1.25 |
 2008 Razor Niko Vasquez Prospect Card 99 US $1.39 |
 2008 Razor Niko Vasquez Prospect Auto 395 1199 US $7.99 |
 2008 Donruss Playoff Contenders 40 Niko Vasquez US $.99 |
 Niko Vasquez 2008 Bowman Chrome Rookie Bdpp15 US $1.50 |
 2008 Tri Star Farm Hands Rc Autograph Niko Vasquez US $.99 |
 08 Razor Niko Vasquez Rookie Autograph 3 Card Lot 1199 US $17.99 |
 Niko Vasquez 2008 Donruss Elite Aspirations 150 US $1.99 |
 Niko Vasquez 2010 Topps Pro Debut Auto Blue 199 Cards US $6.99 |
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