San Francisco Giants:Prospect Watch-Lucius Fox

It is no accident that the San Francisco Giants have been successful in putting together a formidable infield, manned mostly by former shortstops. Here is the prospect watch for Lucius Fox.

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Drafting high value athletes, who show the ability to handle the bat, as well as pitchers who can be inserted into the rotation and bullpen, has been a good formula to follow.

And they aren’t done yet.

The top prospects in the organization are a collection of quality shortstops and pitchers. With the exception of Mac Williamson(OF), Christopher Shaw(1B), and Aramis Garcia(C), the top 25 prospects are either pitchers or middle infielders.

So what does that mean?

It means that, just like Joe Panik and Matt Duffy, some of these quality players may be moved to other positions in the big leagues.

One of those players could be Lucius Fox.

Though not quite ready to contribute yet, Fox is looked at as a future leadoff hitter at AT&T Park. He is a switch-hitter with blazing speed and good hands. His arm is good enough to stay at short in the big leagues, but would be an even better asset in center field.

At 6′ 1″ and 175 lbs, he has a body that should be able to handle the daily grind of a professional baseball season. He is quick to the ball and has good instincts. He played in the United States, going to high school in Florida before moving to the Bahamas to become eligible for the draft.

Signed on July 2, 2015 as part of their international signings, the Giants selected the number 3 prospect and gave him the highest amount for a non-Cuban signee, at $6 million. He also had a commitment to play at North Carolina State, but turned it down to sign with the Giants.

Of course, it still is a ways away, probably three to four years, before the 18-year-old will even make a big league spring training camp. But it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that a call up at the end of one of the upcoming seasons to be a pinch runner could lead to a more permanent stay.

(C’mon, Eugenio Velez was on the big league roster for four years, and even has a ring.) So speed gives you a few more chances to stick. Oh, and Fox should not be seen as a comparable to Velez.

Here is a video of him being introduced and showing his appreciation to those who helped him get to where he is today.

His demeanor and work ethic make him a prime candidate for a earlier than normal look. And if none of them are traded, it is possible that the Giants could have another former shortstop playing a new position, and at an All-Star level.

And even fellow top-5 prospect Christian Arroyo could be moved to left field if his bat continues to be consistent.

The Giants didn’t invest in a top-3 international draftee and pay him $6 million to provide depth in the organization. They did it to take raw young talent, and turn him into a superstar.

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Whether that happens or not remains to be seen. But the young kid looks like he is humble enough to maximize his talents, and remain hungry enough to want to play at AT&T Park.

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