The Indians had sky-high expectations for shortstop Francisco Lindor when they made him the eighth overall pick in the first round of the June 2011 Draft.
Based on his performance for the Captains during the 2012 season, his first full season in professional baseball, Lindor is well on his way to living up to those expectations.
In 122 games, the 18-year-old Florida resident who was born in Puerto Rico batted .257 with 42 RBI.
Lindor will turn 19 on Nov. 14. Although he was the youngest player on the Captains and one of the youngest in the 16-team Midwest League, he played in the MWL All-Star Game and the Futures Game.
"He's been exceptionally consistent as an all-around player," said Ross Atkins, Indians' vice president for player development.
"Given his age and the high expectations, we're very pleased," Atkins added. "He's played the game well, handled all the potential distractions and been a leader on the field and in the clubhouse."
Many scouts from major-league teams who saw the Captains play at Classic Park and other MWL venues came away singing the praises of Lindor's baseball instincts.
"Those instincts start with his passion for the game," Atkins said.
The scouts also took notice of Lindor's work ethic.
"Watch him take BP (batting practice) or ground balls," Atkins said. "He's constantly engaged, whether it's working on situational hitting, baserunning or decision-making."
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Lindor also was solid in the field, showing above-average range and a flair for making difficult catches and throws.
"Nothing limits him defensively," Atkins said. "We believe he'll become more consistent as he plays with better players on better fields."
If there was a cautionary note in Lindor's otherwise upbeat season, it was the slide in his batting average from a high of .327 in mid-May to his .257 average.
"There were some fluctuations in his overall batting, but the more telling numbers are OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) and OBP (on-base percentage)," Atkins said. "There, the fluctuations aren't quite as big.
"We're looking for consistency of quality at-bats. We want him to focus on that," Atkins added.
Lindor also benefited from the Captains surging in the second half to grab a playoff berth, according to Atkins.
"We love postseason play because you experience another level of intensity and emotion," Atkins said.
Atkins said that barring an unexpected alteration of the organization's game plan for Lindor, he'll make the move to advanced Advanced Single-A Carolina next season.
When it was suggested Lindor might be vying for a spot on the major-league club by the time he turns 21, Atkins didn't disagree.
"There are so many variables, and only time will tell, but you would hate to put any limits on this young man," Atkins said.
Up close and personal
Captains manager Dave Wallace and hitting coach Jim Rickon have had daily exposure to Lindor since the start of spring training.
"The key for Frank is to continue working the way he has and to continue to be the teammate and person he is," Wallace said. "If he does that, I wouldn't put any ceiling on him."
Rickon, the same as Atkins, wasn't overly concerned with the slide of Lindor's batting average in the second half.
"I've seen him work through some learning curves," Rickon said. "This being his first full season, to play shortstop every day and do what he did with his total game was pretty great."
Rickon believes Lindor's intangibles will serve him well as he moves up through the Tribe's farm system toward a hoped-for arrival in the big leagues.
"Frank is going to be a special one," Rickon said. "He's a good student of the game and an honest self-evaluator. The more he plays, the more he will learn."
Lindor speaks
After playing five games last season at Mahoning Valley, Lindor said he had no trouble handling the 140-game regular season in the MWL.
"It's been a long season, but I feel good," Lindor said. "I've been blessed. Not too many people get this chance. I wouldn't change anything about the experience I've had so far."
Although he doesn't dwell on batting average, Lindor understands it's part of the equation when outsiders take stock of his first full season in pro ball.
"I realize I probably didn't put up the numbers I wanted to, But I came in every day and put in the work," he said. "I feel like I got better in every aspect of the game."
Lindor's development this season extended to his physique. He looks bigger and more chiseled than he did in April.
"I'm getting older," he said with a laugh. "My body will change throughout my whole career."
All signs point toward that career having considerable promise.
This story was not subject to the approval of The News-Herald. Author: David S. Glasier
