David

Espinosa

Espinosa was drafted as a shortstop and later moved to second base. He’ll now try center field, but what is really important is that he begins to develop offensively.

The defending International League champs won the series 3-1 to advance to the title series against Rochester. Toledo prevailed even though Knights pitchers Lance Broadway and Agustin Montero combined for 16 strikeouts in the first nine innings. Espinosa’s homer off Jeff Farnsworth came as a pinch-hitter. The former first-round pick of the Reds hit .266/.362/.451 in 293 at-bats for Toledo this season.

Espinosa, who was acquired from the Reds in the Brian Moehler deal last year, has been a disappointment again this year. He’s still just 21, so he might not clear waivers. However, the converted infielder doesn’t project as a regular outfielder.

Espinosa had two more hits than the rest of his teammates combined. The former Reds prospect has a .424 OBP and a .566 slugging percentage this year. He’s just 22, so maybe he still has a chance to become a major leaguer.