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Prospect Arroyo opens eyes in Rookie ball

PHOENIX -- Shortstop Christian Arroyo, the Giants' No. 1 pick (25th overall) in June's First-Year Player Draft, made an immediate impression by being named Most Valuable Player of the Rookie-level Arizona League on Saturday.

Plucked from Hernando High School in Brooksville, Fla., Arroyo hit .326 in 45 games for the Giants' affiliate. His production included 25 extra-base hits -- 18 doubles, five triples and two home runs -- as well as 39 RBIs.

"Put it this way: I haven't seen anything that I don't like from this kid yet," said Jose Alguacil, the Giants' roving infield instructor, who estimated that he saw Arroyo play about 14 games.

Though Arroyo's offensive skills were touted the most when the Giants drafted him, Alguacil noticed positive results when he worked with the 18-year-old on his defense.

"He makes adjustments quickly, which is good," Alguacil said. "I like the kid a lot. There's still some stuff to adjust to. But as a young guy, he's very, very, very good. I was happy and pleased with the way he goes about his business."

Alguacil noted that Arroyo quite literally possesses growth potential.

"There's a lot of room to fill on that body," Alguacil said of the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder, who's ranked eighth on MLB.com's list of the organization's top 20 Minor League prospects.

Infielder Ryder Jones, San Francisco's second-round Draft selection, and left-hander Luis Ysla joined Arroyo on the league's season-ending All-Star team.

Chris Haft is a reporter for MLB.com.
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