Beltre Blazing A Trail To The Majors
Published on July 30, 2010 under Texas League (TL1)
Frisco RoughRiders News Release
Those who follow the Rangers minor league system know who the top prospects are. Several have already made their way to Arlington and some are just now starting to blossom in the lower levels of the minors. One promising young talent, 'Riders center fielder Engel Beltre, is starting to show flashes of why so many hold him in high regard.
As the No. 14 prospect in the Rangers system according to Baseball America, Beltre is having a breakout season in 2010. The 20-year-old from the Dominican Republic started this year in High-A Bakersfield where he hit .331 with five home runs and 35 RBI over 68 games. Beltre has continued to impress since joining the Frisco lineup and his blazing speed has caused problems for opposing pitchers once he reaches base.
Beltre says manager Steve Buechele made it very clear as to what he expects from Engel.
"He (Buechele) told me that he expected me to play hard every day and just have fun," Beltre says. "He wants me to play my game."
Beltre, considered to be a "five-tool player", says he has wanted to play in the major leagues since he was a 15-year-old living in the Dominican. It is there where he was discovered by a scout from the Boston Red Sox.
"The scout said I was a good, young kid. He liked my tools," Beltre says. "He noticed I could run, hit, and do it all. We've got baseball in our blood in the Dominican. I used to play baseball in the streets with my friends and that is how a lot of players get discovered by the scouts."
RoughRiders Manager Steve Buechele has been impressed with how Engel has developed on the mental side of baseball.
"He's a very gifted kid, very strong," Buechele says. "I think it's just a part of him maturing and growing up as we are starting to see some of those talents come out now."
Beltre's ability to impact every game in different ways makes him very exciting for the fans and his own team.
"He's (Beltre) been big for us because he's swinging the bat well," Buechele says. "When he gets on base, he's a thrill. As a fan, he would be a blast to watch because you never know what he's going to do next."
Texas League Stories from July 30, 2010
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- Weiser Pitches Drillers To Win - Tulsa Drillers
- San Antonio Rallies as 'Riders Continue Slide - Frisco RoughRiders
- Beltre Blazing A Trail To The Majors - Frisco RoughRiders
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