Caught most of the two games today v. Ga Tech
Took video of all 3 guys. Here are my thoughts on each of them.
Jemile Weeks – Not very big, looks smaller in person. Game changing speed. Switch hitter who knows what he is doing at the plate. Did not get himself out once in that he did not swing at any poor pitches in good counts. Could be very solid leadoff hitter. Showed feel for bunting as well. Centers up the ball on the barrel pretty well. Do not be fooled by HRs, has some pull power when he hits left handed. Projects to be more of a double triples guy. Could put out 10 HR as a pro.
Got challenged on one play at 2B, but could not make it. Made all the routine plays. Average arm.
Comparisons:
High End – Brian Roberts
Conservative – Freddy Sanchez with less contact ability but more speed
Worst Case Scenario – Utility INF used to pinch hit and steal some bases
Yonder Alonso – Not very athletic. Does not run well or show great feet at 1B. Cannot play another position. Does not have arm for being a catcher. His approach is legit. He knows what he is doing at the plate. Great strike zone judgment. He has bad speed but his swing is just not leveraged and powerful. I can see why scouts do not know if he will hit for power. You can’t just say “well, he will develop more power”. He is going to have to change his swing and his approach to some extent. He missed a few pitches that a big time threat at 1B needs to drive. Some concerns before the season about work ethic.
Comparisons:
High End – Current Todd Helton
Conservative – 1999, 2000 version of Sean Casey
Low End – AAAA 1B
Dennis Raben – Raben may be the best college OF, but he was not impressive in this game. He does have power, plus power to all fields. However, his swing is long and his hands are in a poor position. Pitchers with good fastballs inside will get him out all day. He got jammed by an average curve ball that he weekly popped up to LF. He reportedly has a plus arm, did not get to show it off.
Comparisons:
High End – David Justice
Conservative – Pick an OF who hits 20-25 HR a year and hits .275
Low End – If he does not make adjustments he won’t make it to the majors
