JON BENICK

9/26/79; '01 9th (San Diego); Univ. of Virginia
B/R; 6-1, 210

Level	BA	OBP	SA	AB	2B	3B	HR	BB	K	SB	CS
2001 A- (SD)	.262	.315	.447	237	12	1	10	19	53	2
2002 A (SD)	.271	.349	.429	490	30	1	15	61	106	5
2003 AA (SD)	.203	.258	.285	123	7	0	1	8	32	0	1
2003 A+ (SD)	.300	.356	.452	327	24	1	9	27	53	1	0
2004 A	.328	.396	.592	488	29	2	32	53	95	2	2

There appears to be something about Benick that doesn't appeal to major league teams. He hit well, albeit with only fair power, during two years in class A with the Padres. After he struggled in a late-season promotion to AA, however, they cut him loose. The Pirates signed him essentially as a ringer, to help Hickory make the playoffs. Given their complete lack of 1B prospects, they had a void to fill. As one would expect, he tore up SAL pitching. His performance there says nothing about his ability, as he was playing probably two levels below where he should have been. The Pirates plainly don't consider him a prospect and are unlikely to push his career. He opened 2005 at Lynchburg in 2005, to give them a bat at 1B, but he may not advance any further than that.

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