Hitting
Animal is a legitimate run producer. He'll make the adjustments if he gets behind in the count or the game is on the line, spreading out his stance and looking to the opposite field. He thrives late in games. Animal was a line-drive hitter when he first came up, but over the last few years has become more of a true home-run hitter, lofting more high flyballs. He hits righthanders and lefthanders with equal consistency. Animal continues to use the opposite field far more often than most power hitters, though he has learned to turn on the ball when he gets a pitch to drive.

Baserunning & Defense
Animal plays a near-flawless second baseman, making very few errors. His biggest problem in the field simply has to be his throwing arm... it's well below par. Animal has better-than-average speed, and he has made himself into a solid basestealer by developing a quick first step and studying the moves of pitchers.

2010 Outlook
The Chicago White Sox were smart, they locked Animal up to a long term contract. Animal has impressed at the A-ball level. Look for the Chicago White Sox to give him a shot in Double or Triple A before the year is up.

          -- Ska Nyman, A-Ball Scout