Window Sill: Chris Nowak (REVISITED)

by Hazleton Jason on Jul 26, 2008 2:44 AM EDT

Every couple of days I look through the Rays minor league system for guys to keep my eye on, mostly becaue I am a dork- but I like knowing as much as I can about my fav team-

Tonight I was looking at Montgomery's roster and found...

Chris Nowak- 3b Montgomery .299/.387/.464/.851 OPS 26 doubles/10 HR/67RBI with that are 18 errors at 3B...

With that glorious line, I tohught I'd come to my fav website and ask if any of you knew anytihng about this prospectI've really never heard of- and of course to my satisfaction I found this:

Window Sill: Chris Nowak

Bjupton2_tiny by R.J. Anderson on Dec 22, 2007 6:01 PM EST

Not much happening today - or few the past few days, but we're only a handful away from the LaMar-itis (the staff and some heavy supporters have their copies all ready, funny story to come on Friday about it, actually) launch, oh and some national holiday. With that in mind how about taking a look at one of the more underappreciated players in the system - one commonly overlooked, hence the "window sill" label, this guy is looked over.

Chris Nowak
First / Third Base
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
DOB: 2/21/1983
Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2007 Team: Montgomery

Nowak's probably the most underrated player on the Biscuits' roster, but he played a nice third wheel behind Reid Brignac and John Jaso this year. A 6'5" monster Nowak has the versatility to play any of the corner positions, and his bat would seemingly allow him to do so as well - since being drafted he's posting OPSs of .730 (Hudson Valley), .841 (Southwest Michigan), .875 (Visalia), and .836 this prior year. Early in his career he appeared to be a poor man's Eric Karros, but suddenly he learned what a strike was and began walking because free bases are very good. He'll start at Durham this year, and frankly I like to think that he could become what the similar Wes Bankston never could - a serviceable bench player in his prime - but for now I'll take a wait and see approach, especially since a man this big should be hitting more than seven homeruns in 104 games, that being said I can see Nowak breaking out in Durham's hitter friendly ballpark and becoming mighty inviting trade bait if he doesn't find himself on the Rays' bench late in the year, but his old man skills really don't indicate he'll translate over for the long run.

Thoughts on Nowak's career path, poll included

So, RJ's prediction of Durham was not quote right, but his analysis was very well done, and Nowak has continued to have a great eye at the plate as he has walked more than K'd...

Any chance this kid is our 1b of the future??? He is a monster (6'-5" 225) and seems to have some issues at 3rd with all the errors-

What do you guys think now???

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

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Comments

AAA sometime this year or next year?

top reason elijah dukes isnt a ray: thinks 9=8 is just a math problem, he gets arrested for the rays telling him he has the green light to steal, with attendance improving there are too many girls for him to knock up, he gets fined too many dollars for referring to us as still the d-rays and cant afford that and child support for his 15 kids and his 10 guns.

by RaysOfHope on Jul 26, 2008 2:55 AM EDT reply actions

He is currently blocked by Dan Johnson and Chris Richard in Durham

I could see him being a part of a trade package. With Jennings being hurt he along with Fernando Perez are our two best mid-level fielding prospects.

by Dbullsfan on Jul 26, 2008 3:39 AM EDT reply actions

Maybe throw Guzman in there too, but I am not as high on him as others.

by Dbullsfan on Jul 26, 2008 3:40 AM EDT up reply actions

since when was Jenning a mid-level prospect?

by davidsmarch on Jul 26, 2008 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Since he can't stay healthy

and has a bum back and shoulder?

Tools Whore

Sign Bonds!

by Tyler on Jul 26, 2008 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

It's too bad he can't move up, he's proven enough at Montgomery for me.

by R.J. Anderson on Jul 26, 2008 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

Ditto

I’ve been saying it for three straight years now, he reminds me of Kevin Millar.

He’ll probably never get a real shot at the majors, but he’s one of those guys who probably could do OK if given the chance.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jul 26, 2008 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions

He reminds me of a tall Gary Redus

I love the guy but I don’t think his future is at 1B. He has the stick to stick at the 3. It is 3B or bust for Nowak. Right now he is blocked by Aybar and maybe Guzman for that role. At his age, time is running out to make his move.

The guy is has a great approach and hits gaps and occasional HRs – ultra clutch in the playoffs which I think gives him some confidence to perform on the big stage. (Uh Oh, here come the numbers geeks, I’d better leave now – jk)

RJ is not an elitist douchebag who hates scouting

by ttnorm on Jul 27, 2008 8:46 AM EDT reply actions