Engelb Vielma - 2016

[Shane Wahl]

Engelb Vielma
DOB: 6-22-94, in Maracaibo, Zulia, Venezuela
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 155
Position: SS
Bats: Both
Throws: Right

Shane's 2016 Prospect Rank: 13

 

2016 statistics (Chattanooga):

 

49 PA, .283/.283/.326 (.609), one triple, eight strikeouts, two times caught stealing

 

 

Vielma got off to a very slow start in 2015 as well, though his career numbers at the plate resemble these current 2016 numbers. Vielma's defense has been extraordinary and he has the potential to be one of the best defensive SS in the game. This year he has made several errors so far, but that might be due to any number of factors. If he hits at all, he will make the big leagues at some point, potentially some time in 2017.

 

 

[Vanimal46]

I'd like to see him put some more meat on those bones if he's only 155 pounds.. As a side note, how do you pronounce his name? 

[Shane Wahl]

 

I'd like to see him put some more meat on those bones if he's only 155 pounds.. As a side note, how do you pronounce his name? 

 

I agree. Also, that is a good question. I don't know. I was wrong about Berrios forever . . .

[Vanimal46]

 

I agree. Also, that is a good question. I don't know. I was wrong about Berrios forever . . .

According to B-Ref, they have the pronunciation of AHN-gel vee-EL-ma. The b at the end of his first name threw me off. 

[Bob Sacamento]

 

According to B-Ref, they have the pronunciation of AHN-gel vee-EL-ma. The b at the end of his first name threw me off. 

Once heard a fan call him Engelbert, he still responsed to it

[Shane Wahl]

Vielma is down in Fort Myers again. Because that makes sense . . .

[Platoon]

All I know about him is there are consistent reports of great glove, bad bat. And the hitting stats seem to support that. The reports all say could be one of the best gloves in the game, not just the Twins. What's the WAR on an elite fielding, light hitting SS? It's too early for EV, but if your "plan is to build your team around "slugging" corner fielders, and PTC pitchers, you should and should be able to carry a "glove" at SS.

[Shane Wahl]

 

All I know about him is there are consistent reports of great glove, bad bat. And the hitting stats seem to support that. The reports all say could be one of the best gloves in the game, not just the Twins. What's the WAR on an elite fielding, light hitting SS? It's too early for EV, but if your "plan is to build your team around "slugging" corner fielders, and PTC pitchers, you should and should be able to carry a "glove" at SS.

 

Yes. The thing is he started out terribly at Fort Myers last year too, and picked it up during the second half at the plate. I see no reason for him not to be at Chatty right now.

[ashbury]

Yes. The thing is he started out terribly at Fort Myers last year too, and picked it up during the second half at the plate.

I would love to see a scouting report on him that compared what he does early in the season to later. My working hypothesis is he tries to start out with a normal major league swing at each level, finds no success so he starts a punch-and-judy approach that gets him through the season. Decent stats but a lower likelihood of MLB success I would imagine. But, like I said, that hypothesis is based on nothing and I would really like to know the fundamentals about his batting approach.

[Shane Wahl]

Back in AA where he belongs, Vielma has been hitting well. His OPS is up to .693 in AA. He just turned 22, so it is quite encouraging.

[Shane Wahl]

Upward to a .702 OPS. His speed was a great asset last year, but this year he is not showing base-stealing skills. The defense has improved back to normal levels for him, and he is an exciting guy to watch going into next season.

[ashbury]

Upward to a .702 OPS. His speed was a great asset last year, but this year he is not showing base-stealing skills. The defense has improved back to normal levels for him, and he is an exciting guy to watch going into next season.

Guys lacking power get shortchanged by OPS, so this is actually a decent number. You can't have a team full of table-setters, but one with a good glove can usually find a spot. Hope he keeps progressing, so that these numbers translate to the major league level in 2018 or soon after.

[goulik]

I'm hoping Vielma can force the Twins to debut him next year. This is a guy I would like to see in the Arizona Fall League.

[Shane Wahl]

 

I'm hoping Vielma can force the Twins to debut him next year. This is a guy I would like to see in the Arizona Fall League.

 

I imagine that he won't because of the Venezuela league, but you are right. He would top my list of position players to head there. Anyway, if he hits to begin the season in AA next year, and if the stolen base issue this year is deemed nothing to worry about, then he could force the issue next year.

[Shane Wahl]

 

Engelb Vielma
DOB: 6-22-94, in Maracaibo, Zulia, Venezuela
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 155
Position: SS
Bats: Both
Throws: Right

Shane's 2016 Prospect Rank: 13

 

2016 statistics (Chattanooga):

 

49 PA, .283/.283/.326 (.609), one triple, eight strikeouts, two times caught stealing

 

 

Vielma got off to a very slow start in 2015 as well, though his career numbers at the plate resemble these current 2016 numbers. Vielma's defense has been extraordinary and he has the potential to be one of the best defensive SS in the game. This year he has made several errors so far, but that might be due to any number of factors. If he hits at all, he will make the big leagues at some point, potentially some time in 2017.

 

2016 Summary

 

367 AA plate appearances, .271/.345/.318 (.663),seven doubles, four triples, 34 strikeouts, 62 walks, 10 steals, and eight times caught stealing.

 

 

2017 Outlook

 

Vielma grew as a hitter in 2016. The main issue will be his health because his SS defense is excellent. He will be 23 next June and probably will have another 150 plate appearances in AA by that time. Nick Gordon will be in AA too, so they are going to have to figure out playing time at SS and 2B/3B for both of them. I imagine he will be up in September for a look.