Gorkys Hernandez

2013

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2012

Hernandez moved up to Triple-A after two years of Double-A ball, where he hit a respectable .283 in 424 at-bats with 21 stolen bases. Maturity issues have seemingly held him back at times. The right-handed hitting speedster is still just 24 after six minor league campaigns. The three-time Future Games vet -- he was passed up in 2011 -- faces what could be a make or break season. The organization has seen its share of holes in the outfield but has been reluctant to recall Hernandez. It will be up to him to force the team's hand in 2012 before the likes of Starling Marte and Robbie Grossman pass him up on the organizational ladder.

2011

Hernandez is a three-time participant in the All-Star Futures game, representing his home country of Venezuela for the world team. His numbers really don't warrant All-Star selection, but Pittsburgh is no doubt pleased with his exposure to big-game atmospheres. The 23-year-old, who has stolen as many as 54 bags in a single season, swiped 17 of 20 bases in 2010 before a broken finger ended his year in July. He hit .264/.331/.332 in 368 Double-A at-bats, but struggled with a 33:95 BB:K ratio. Hernandez wears his emotions on his sleeve and has been known to get in trouble with umpires and his own coaching staff. He could make the move to Triple-A in 2011, but he won't likely see the major leagues until he cuts down on his strikeouts and matures on and off the field.

2010

Hernandez projects to be a decent major league hitter, in part, because of his speed. He came to Pittsburgh in the Nate McLouth deal and spent the 2009 season at the Double-A level. The 22-year-old outfielder recovered from a miserable start for Altoona to finish with a .262/.312/.340 line, below his career minor league marks of .286/.342/.388. He reminds some observers of Nyjer Morgan, but he's not as good of a basestealer -- he was successful on 19 of 35 tries last year -- and his attitude has gotten him benched on occasion. There's no real spot for him at the major league level in 2010. He'll likely spend the bulk of the season at Triple-A. Injuries and performance will dictate how far Hernandez advances this season and a September callup could be in the offing with any luck.

2009

Hernandez is considered one of Atlanta's top outfield prospects after coming over in the trade for Edgar Renteria before the 2008 season. He draws walks at a good clip and has excellent speed, but needs to show more power. Despite missing nearly a month with hamstring issues, he hit .320/.381/.514 before the All-Star break, but then faded in the second half. He may need more time to master High-A pitching as a result.

2008

The Tigers gave up Hernandez, one of their better outfield prospects, to acquire Edgar Renteria from the Braves in October. Hernandez has been able to hit for a solid average and has shown good speed in the minors, but he lacks power. Because of a smallish frame, Hernandez is unlikely to develop much power but if he maintains his speed and improves his eye, he can be a solid major leaguer. He'll likely start the year at High-A Myrtle Beach.

2007

The Tigers signed Hernandez out of Venezuela as a 17-year-old in 2005. He made his debut in the Gulf Coast League last year and hit for a solid average while flashing a little power and some good speed on the bases. He's a long way away from the majors but he's worth keeping an eye on.