December 14, 2016
Andrew Guillotte finds success with his new role. (Kyle Castle)
Presented with a new role when entering professional baseball, outfielder Andrew Guillotte has developed into a great defender and a solid bat at the top of the lineup every night.
Performing primarily as a leadoff hitter last season in Lansing; Guillotte did whatever he could to reach base. Whether that be bunting for a hit, legging out an infield single, or crushing a line drive into the outfield; the prospect made it very hard for the coaching staff to leave him off the score card on any given night.
Averaging a hit per game in Lansing; Guillotte recorded 115 hits, which included: 23 doubles, three triples, and four home runs in 455 Midwest League at-bats.
Guillotte’s production yielded him a respectable .253/.322/.352 slash line during his time in Lansing, which helped lead him to Mid-Season All-Star honors.
A major contributor to his production was the way the prospect handled his business in the batter’s box in 2016. Viewing himself as a bit of a pest against opposing pitchers, Guillotte feels good about where his plate approach is at right now in his professional career.
“I’m an aggressive guy that’s a bit of a pest. I guess being a little guy that comes with the territory.,” stated Guillotte. “If one of the first few pitches are there, I’m going to go for it.”
“It also depends on the situation in the game,” Guillotte added. “But as far as it goes for me I’m an action guy that tries to get on base any way I can. That’s the mindset that I go with every night, and since getting walks can be difficult at times in my role, I mainly focus on getting hits.”
While Guillotte finds tremendous success on the base paths with his speed; the prospect feels his defensive play is where his legs show their most potential.
“I try to use my speed any way I can,” said Guillotte. “I use my speed to steal bases, bunt for hits, and succeed in the field. It really gives me a chance to use my legs to their fullest potential.”
His quick legs helped Guillotte showcase his strong arm as the prospect picked up 15 outfield assists, and took part in five double plays in his 926 2/3 innings in the outfield for the Lugnuts.
His solid play in Lansing earned Guillotte a brief taste of high-A ball in the second half of the season.
While his time didn’t go quite as planned in Dunedin, Guillotte will have a better idea of what to expect next season as he’ll be prepared for another opportunity in the FSL.
Be sure to watch out for Andrew Guillotte in 2017, as he looks to put up big numbers in high-A ball and continue to climb the ladder.