Don't Look Back Vélez, This Is Your Shot

"The stuff that dreams are made of." - H. Bogart

This 27 year old prospect from the Dominican Republic, is about to get a chance of a lifetime to prove he belongs on the stage of giants, San Francisco Giants.

The baseball world knows very little of Eugenio Vélez, but I have a feeling that will change very soon.

This week, due to Aaron Rowand getting knocked in the face by a Vincente Padilla fastball, Vélez has taken over the centerfield, and leadoff role for the San Francisco Giants.  He is also a well known second baseman, and can play both the infield and outfield.

I'll admit, I didn't know much about Vélez up to this point.  One thing I do know, the man is faster then a cheetah on an energy drink and caffeine pills.

In 2005, Vélez was selected by the Giants from the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2005 minor league Rule 5 Draft.

In 2006, he was the South Atlantic League MVP for his contributions to the Giants single A affiliate Augusta GreenJackets.  He batted .314 with 63 extra-base hits and 64 stolen bases and 91 rbi.

This season, he is already hitting .412 with two three-run home runs and seven rbi.  Up to this point in the majors, he hasn't received any kind of opportunity such as this one he has now with Rowand out.

Vélez isn't known for home runs, but he does have sneaky power and can go yard.  The fact that he is a switch-hitter only helps his cause.

So heed my warning, if you see a blurred Giants jersey on your televison screen, it is likely the number eight of Vélez.  If this stint with the Giants doesn't work out, maybe he should line up beside Michael Crabtree as a 49ers wide receiver.