The Astros have long tapped into the talent pool in Venezuela and discovered Hernandez as an 18-year-old in Caracas. A cousin of Reds catcher Ramon Hernandez, he was regarded by Rookie-level Appalachian League managers as the top defensive catcher in the league last year. That's an impressive feat, considering he did not take up the position until signing. He has a good arm and good accuracy, and he showed 1.95-second pop times consistently in instructional league. His receiving skills, feet, soft hands and ability to call a game also get high marks. Hernandez also blocks balls well, with good range behind the plate, and always shows good hustle. At the plate, he has started switch-hitting and projects as an average hitter who isn't expected to have much power. He is undisciplined at this point, with a tendency to chase pitches. He looks better from his natural right side now, showing good balance in instructional league. From the left side, he has timing issues and shows more hand movement trying to set up. Like most catchers, he is a below-average runner. Even if Hernandez develops only fringe-average hitting ability, he would project as a starting backstop based on his defensive potential. He is expected to open 2009 at Lexington.
Minor League Top Prospects
A cousin of Orioles catcher Ramon Hernandez, Federico rated as the best defensive catcher in the league and has the potential to develop into a solid all-around backstop. Signed out of Venezuela in 2006 at age 18, he spent that summer and the next in the VSL receiving a crash course in catching. The lessons took, as Hernandez impressed Appy League observers with advanced blocking and receiving skills and a solid, accurate arm that he used to nail 38 percent of basestealers. He's flexible behind the plate, has soft hands and shows rare leadership and game-calling ability for such a young player. A switch-hitter with a fluid stroke from both sides, Hernandez projects as an average hitter with a little power. He showed an undisciplined hitting approach, with a tendency to chase pitches out of the zone, especially when frustrated. But because his defensive tools are so strong, he'll need to develop only fringe-average hitting ability to play in the majors.
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