I like him. I'm very encouraged by his increase in walks this year. IMO it suggests he is improving his plate discipline and batting eye. And with his power, that is a very good thing. The result isn't just a nice bump in OBP (up to .354), it's showing up in a nice increase in doubles (on pace for 40+) and homeruns (on pace for around 25) as well. The combination of increases in both power and OBP is a very good sign. So far, it has translated into a 75pt increase in OPS this year (.894) over last year (.819).

He's a young 22 (turned in February). I don't see any reason to write him off as "only a bench player". Way too early to make a determination like that when he's performing well, at an appropriate age, in high A-ball. (He was selected for the Carolina League all-star team.) Next year, at Birmingham, should tell us alot more about his chances.