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Arizona Diamondbacks Paul Goldschmidt (44) connects for a two-run homer against Washington Nationals relief pitcher Tyler Clippard in the eight inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011 in Washington. Behind home plate catching is Nationals catcher Jesus Flores. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Just how good is Paul Goldschmidt? That is the question fans and baseball minds alike have been wondering since he was called up to the Majors back at the beginning of August.

The first baseman wasn't really viewed as a legitimate big league prospect by those around baseball until recently despite tearing the cover off the ball at every level. He never hit below .306 in the minors and never hit fewer than 18 home runs. Prior to being called up by the Diamondbacks, he had 30 home runs and 94 RBI in just 103 games with the Double-A Mobile Bay Bears.

While he may have had his doubters along the way, he's starting to make believers of them with his performance as a member of the D-backs.

In his first 65 at bats with the club his raw power has been on display. While his average is slightly lower than one would like to see (.264), he's still hit five home runs and has collected 13 RBI. If he hits at that pace for an entire 162 game season he'd finish with roughly 40 home runs and 100 RBI.

The most impressive part of his five homers this season? Just how far he's crushed them. Despite facing Major League pitching for the first time, Goldschmidt's bombs have gone an average of 422.8 feet this season. Even more impressive? He hasn't hit one less than 400 feet.

If Goldschmidt can hit at this pace for an entire season, the sky is the limit for what he can do as a member for the D-backs. For an organization who has spent the better part of its existence searching for an everyday power hitting first baseman, that has to be music to their ears.

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    BIG ERN wrote...
    Forget the power
    If he would try to make contact a lil more he'd be way more affective.Remember what happened to Durazo!! Tried to hit a HR every at bat.. Power hitting is great but he doesn't have to try so hard.
  • Abuse
    Van wrote...
    Goldschmidt
    Don't forget Mark Reynolds. All kinds of power but struck out 200 times a year. One thing is for sure, Goldschmidt can play the position. Bottom line, put the ball in play and good things happen.
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    mostpatriotic wrote...
    First time around
    It is good this kid has done this, however, it is not uncommon for a young hitter. Big league pitchers will be able to find his weaknesses. The question is will he be able to adjust. Hopefully, they wont figure him before the playoffs.
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    CompleteAZSportsfan wrote...
    Been figured out
    Goldschmidt has already been figured out. He likes fastballs in, and he could not figure out a good sinker. Either swung and missed or watch it come in for a strike. He went 0-4 with 4 strikeouts and not one of them was with a fastball. All well placed sinkers on the outside corner. After that he was able to battle and get into a hitters count and force the pitcher to throw a pitch he was looking for. So, he's already adjusted once. It's whether he'll be figured out again, or become one of those hitters that knows the strike zone as well as Justin Upton has this year.
  • Abuse
    mostpatriotic wrote...
    Last side note
    Big Ern has it right about more contact. The kid strikes out way to often and, in some ways, reminds me of Mark Reynolds. He needs a better walks to strike outs ratio which will improve his OBP.
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