Where Are They Now? #3

Pete Skinner: Drafted 3rd overall out of high school by the San Diego Whales (now known as the Anaheim Anteaters), Skinner had immediate success at Rookie ball, putting up a 1.200 OPS in just over 100 at bats. However, his future with the organization was short-lived; in possibly the worst trade in Gleeman World history, he was dealt to the Twindyans along with (then) 22 year old SP Larry Williamson for Dennis Murata. Skinner didn't miss a beat with his new organization; skipping a level and starting Season 2 at High A, Skinner put up three consecutive outstanding seasons at progressively higher levels, culminating in a successful half-season at the ML level during Season 4, and making each league's respective All-Star team every season. During his first full season at the ML level, he did even better, hitting .300/.360/.561 en route to winning the All-Star Game MVP, and even finishing in the top 5 in the regular season MVP voting. This season, despite a surprise snub from the All-Star game, Skinner's been even better; his .611 SLG places him 4th in the NL, and he managed to improve his OBP and BA on top of that. Skinner's defense is exciting; his plus speed and excellent instincts have added up to 29 plus plays in CF in 304 games. However, his glovework is a bit suspect; the Milwaukee coaching staff expects him to improve on his lifetime .968 FLD%. Skinner's baserunning is also a bit raw. He's stolen 28 bases this season, but has also been caught 12 times. Unlike his glovework, his baserunning acumen doesn't project to improve much. Nevertheless, Skinner is a bona-fide superstar at 23; given his defense at a premium position along with his powerful bat, he's probably the favorite to be remembered as the best player from Season 1's draft.