- Full name Arturo McDowell
- Born
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McDowell is a player who clearly was hurt by the Giants' previous farm system set-up, as has 1998 supplemental first-rounder Chris Jones. They're the kinds of players the organization will be able to develop better now that the Giants have a Rookie-level Arizona League team and a low Class A team. McDowell has shown the Giants plenty of tools since getting drafted, as he's one of the organization's fastest players and best defenders. Some in the organization think his best tool may yet be his bat, despite his career .219 average. McDowell struggled in consecutive seasons in the California League, mainly due to his pitch selection. He swings at balls and takes strikes, club officials say, but they're pleased with his ability to draw a walk. He has shown power to the opposite field when he makes contact, and though he has the speed to control a game offensively, he has struggled with baserunning. He improved his stolen-base percentage in 2000, though, and that's not the only improvement the organization has seen. McDowell could start 2001 at low Class A Hagerstown for a change of scenery, then move up to Shreveport if he gets out of the blocks fast.