Rookie sensation Dexter Fowler has proven to everyone why he deserves to start every game.
With the start of the 2009/2010 Major League Baseball season, more than a few spots on the Colorado Rockies lineup were open and up for grabs. With the first two weeks of the season in the bag, one spot has been filled for good, and that belongs to rookie center fielder and lead-off hitter, Dexter Fowler.
Fowler started the season on the bench as the backup center fielder. This all changed after Fowler got a couple starts under his belt, showing the Rockies fans that he’s ready to be a starter.
So far in the season Fowler is hitting .310 with an on-base percentage of nearly four hundred. The 6-4 180-pound sensation has been considered one the best prospects in the entire League. He has explosive speed that makes him a huge threat on the base paths. On April 27, 2008 Fowler tied a rookie record, stealing five bases in one game. Fowler stole second and third in consecutive at bats making him one of the premier base stealers in the league. His ability to read pitchers and get great jumps makes catchers tremble.
During one of his recent base stealing attempts, the Padres’ catcher Nick Hundley attempted to throw out Ryan Spilborghs at second instead of even attempting to throw out Fowler who was stealing third. Hundley decided to make a longer harder throw to second instead of a shorter throw to third, because he knew – along with the majority of the catchers in the league – that Dexter Fowler is almost impossible to throw out.
With Fowler at the top of the lineup it adds more than just a threat on the bases; with him on base pitchers will have to be faster to the plate along with constantly checking on him. With pitchers diverting their attention from the batter to Fowler, they will be more likely to make mistakes, giving the Rockies that much more of an advantage.
The skills of Dexter Fowler go far beyond just stealing bases. His way-above-average speed goes along great with his above-average arm. A common misunderstanding for speed guys like Fowler is that their speed makes up for their lack of arm strength. Not in this case; Dexter has a bonafide cannon, giving him all the skills needed to be a superb defensive outfielder.
The simple fact is that Dexter Fowler is a star on the rise; he’s a great lead-off hitter who causes havoc on the base paths, so far stealing 18 bases in 20 attempts. He has two homers right now, so he does have some power, and that power will continue to get better as he gets bigger and stronger.
The future for this young star has all kinds of promise. Watching him play is a real treat to see, and people all around the country are starting to recognize his skills. So watch out Major League Baseball, Dexter Fowler is here to stay.
