Phillies: Cornelius Randolph’s struggles continue in Arizona Fall League
One of the Phillies top prospects is struggling mightily in the Arizona Fall League
Phillies former first-round round pick Cornelius Randolph has not experienced the smoothest transition from high school to professional baseball. In all fairness, not all do. It’s an incredibly large jump to make from facing teenagers from down the street to professionals that have begun to perfect their craft.
In 243 minor league games, the 10th overall pick has hit .264 with 16 home runs and over 200 strikeouts. Despite receiving rave reviews for his ability to hit Randolph has never hit higher than .274 above rookie ball.
Wanting to get him more at-bats and increase the level of competition the Phillies sent Randolph to the Arizona Fall League. In a week’s worth of games, Randolph hasn’t adjusted well at all against the competition.
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Randolph’s .120 batting average is the fourth-worst in the Arizona Fall League this season through seven games. To make matters worse, he’s 0-8 against lefties, following a trend he’s dealt with all year.
At just 20 years old it’s early to call Randolph a bust, but the pressure on him to be a productive major league player given his draft positioning. He’s continuing to grow into his body, and the surplus of power displayed this year was encouraging.
In fact, Randolph has already felt the need to defend himself against his detractors after a slow start in the minor leagues.
https://twitter.com/c_randolph/status/814178704414900224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthatballsouttahere.com%2F2016%2F12%2F29%2Fphillies-cornelius-randolph-rant%2F
Given where the Phillies organization is today Randolph could be one of the young pieces on the trade block in exchange for a premier starting pitcher. Dylan Cozens already looks like the power hitter without a real position that can’t hit for average in the organization, and there’s barely room for him in the future outfield.
Next: Reviewing Philadelphia's 2017 Draft Class
With Adam Haseley, Mickey Moniak, Nick Williams, and Odubel Herrera already jockeying for a role on a championship club the opportunities for Randolph may be limited.