Paul Goldschmidt, a top prospect of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has a very promising future as a Major League first baseman. He was selected in the 8th round of the 2009 Draft.
In 2009, at the Missoula Osprey, a short season rookie team, Paul played in 74 games hit for an average of .334 and had 18 home runs.
In 2010, Paul was promoted to the Visalia Oaks, and played in 138 games, hit for an average of .314 with 35 home runs. Paul was named as California League Rookie-of-the-Year.
In 2011 Paul was promoted to the Mobile Bay Bears and in 99 games, hit for an average of .306 with 30 home runs.
These statistics resulted in a promotion to the Arizona Diamondbacks on 8/1/2011. The major criticism against Paul has been the propensity to strike out.
On August 1, 2011, Paul faced Matt Cain, got 1 hit in 4 AB, and struck out once.
On August 2, Paul was 1 for 3 against Tim Linceum with 1 Strikeout. The hit was a home run in the 5th inning which led the Diamondbacks to an important victory.
On August 3, Paul faced Ryan Vogelsong, one of the 2011 pitchers with an outstanding record, went 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts.
Paul has now been introduced to the major leagues and should contribute as the Diamondbacks attempt to win the National League pennant.
Because of his meteoric rise through the minor league system, Paul’s Minor League cards are limited.
His first Minor League card from 2009 Missoula Osprey (scan attached)
Paul has a 2010 Visalia card which we have not yet scanned.
In 2011, Paul appears in the Southern League All Star set (scan attached)
It is expected that Paul’s cards will be in the 2011 Southern League Top Prospect set and in the 2011 Mobile Bay Bears set. When those are received this article will be updated.
If you are interested in Paul’s baseball cards, please see www.jssportscards.com or contact us at jssportscards@gmail.com.