Vlad Jr. is ready to rake: Here's what to expect

After dominating the minor league circuit for the latter part of his teenage years, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., now 20, is going to see what all the fuss is about in the majors. The Toronto Blue Jays will finally call up their top prospect, and arguably the top hitting prospect in the game, to make his Major League debut on Friday. ESPN's Keith Law, in his preseason top 100, said the following about Guerrero, who landed at No. 2 on the list:

"For pure bat, Vlad Jr. is the best prospect in the minors. If you could put an 80 on any prospect's hit tool, it would be his, and he has plus-plus power to go with it. "

Remember, Keith said this about a teenager with 30 games of experience above Double-A. Also remember, if you're a Blue Jays fan, Keith hates your team (and every one else's), so it is the highest praise.

What he can do Really? Hit. That is what Guerrero can do. Hit baseballs very well and very far. Law put an 80 on the hit tool. I will throw another ochenta on the power as well. In addition to tremendous bat speed and strength, Guerrero has a feel for the strike zone well beyond his years. Picture his dad's ability to hit, along with the power and low strikeout rate, but with a 12-15 percent walk rate. What he does not hit over the wall should settle into the gaps. There is 60-extra-base-hit potential and I may be selling him 10 to 15 short. He runs like you would expect a man his size (6-1, 200) to run, but you are not buying his stock for the steals. You are here for the average and power -- of which there is plenty.

What to expect

I typically like to hedge my bets here a little and go conservative, but in this case, expect a lot and almost immediately. Law is on record as saying he would be surprised if Guerrero hits worse than .300 in close to a full season of work, which is right about where we are at. A .300 average with 30-plus home runs should be the annual goal, making him a dynamic player regardless of position. Speaking of which, while he probably will carry third-base eligibility for the foreseeable future, he is likely a first baseman/designated hitter before he turns 23. None of that really matters if he hits like almost everyone expects him to.