Beyond the Box Score - Introduction to Saber-Scouting A Saber-Slanted Baseball Communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47305/boxscore-fv.png2012-11-15T17:00:20-05:00http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/rss/stream/32862252012-11-15T17:00:20-05:002012-11-15T17:00:20-05:00Tony Wolters: Cleveland Indians prospect profile
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tLLbhAT54Z-zpsXn_r6XW-B7vB8=/1x0:998x665/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3325799/20120222_kkt_st3_043.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Indians selected Tony Wolters in the third round of the 2010 draft, what should Indians fans expect from the young middle infielder?</p> <p>Tony Wolters is not the largest guy. Standing at 5'10 165 lb. he does not jump out before watching him play, but anyone who does can certainly see the promise.</p>
<p>His manager this past season, Edwin Rodriguez, thinks highly of him. He told me in an interview in July that he thought Wolters could become a "complete ballplayer."</p>
<p><b>Physical Bio</b></p>
<p><b>Bats: L Throws: R</b></p>
<p><b>Height: 5'10 in. Weight: 165 lb.</b></p>
<h3><b>Scouting Report</b></h3>
<p>Defensively, while the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> are still trying to work him in at shortstop, I believe his long-term position is going to be second base. While I think Wolters' range would be passable for shortstop, his arm and footwork leave big enough questions that I do not feel comfortable fitting him in at shortstop. He has a tendency to spin around when making tough plays, and had issues with setting his feet to throw when playing shortstop, rushing his throws at times. The arm would be below average for shortstop, with the biggest knock being his struggles with throws on balls hit to his right.</p>
<p>At the plate, Wolters profiles as a guy who could hit .290 with some pop, with more gap power than home run power. His average speed will play up due to good instincts and Pedroia-like hustle, but he should never be a major base stealing threat. He has a quick bat, and a direct path to the ball which couples with a level swing to spray line drives to all fields.</p>
<h3><b>Statistical Analysis</b></h3>
<p>Wolters triple-slashed .260/.320/.404 as a 20-year old in the Carolina League, which is not bad. This is made more impressive when factoring in that Wolters was overwhelmed at first by the Carolina League, batting .130 in the month of April. Much to his credit he hung in there, and was able to bounce back.</p>
<p>A few concerns with Wolters are his K and BB rates, as they were both rather disappointing. He walked in just 6.7% of his PAs, and struck out in 19.4% of them. He was able to post a BABIP of .314, which may be accredited to his line drive approach.</p>
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<th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Player’s age at midnight of June 30th of that year" class="tooltip sort_default_asc show_partial_when_sorting" align="center">Age</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" class="tooltip sort_default_asc show_partial_when_sorting" align="center">Tm</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="<b>Classification of League</b><br>Classifications have changed over time but have generally ranged from<br>AAA to AA to A and then Short-Season or Rookie and B, C, D, etc." class="tooltip sort_default_asc" align="center">Lev</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="<b>Plate Appearances</b><br>When available, we use actual plate appearances from play-by-play game accounts<br>Otherwise estimated using AB + BB + HBP + SF + SH,<br>which excludes catcher interferences.<br>When <span class=tooltip>this color</span> click for a summary of each PA." class="tooltip" align="center">PA</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Doubles Hit/Allowed" class="tooltip" align="center">2B</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Triples Hit/Allowed" class="tooltip" align="center">3B</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Home Runs Hit/Allowed" class="tooltip" align="center">HR</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Stolen Bases" class="tooltip" align="center">SB</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Caught Stealing" class="tooltip" align="center">CS</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Bases on Balls/Walks" class="tooltip" align="center">BB</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Strikeouts" class="tooltip" align="center">SO</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="<b>Hits/At Bats</b><br>For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA<br>per team game played<br>Bold indicates highest BA using current stats<br><span class=glimmer>Gold</span> means awarded title at end of year." class="tooltip hide_non_quals" align="center">BA</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="<b>(H + BB + HBP)/(At Bats + BB + HBP + SF)</b><br>For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA<br>per team game played" class="tooltip hide_non_quals" align="center">OBP</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="<b>Total Bases/At Bats or <br>(1B + 2*2B + 3*3B + 4*HR)/AB</b><br>For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA<br>per team game played" class="tooltip hide_non_quals" align="center">SLG</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="<b>On-Base + Slugging Percentages </b><br>For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA<br>per team game played" class="tooltip hide_non_quals" align="center">OPS</th>
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<tr data-row="0">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="18.01" align="right">18</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a title="AZL Indians (, AZ)" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool&id=58988545">Indians</a></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="130.0000">Rk</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">21</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.211</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.286</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.211</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.496</td>
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<tr data-row="1">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="19.02" align="right">19</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a title="Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Niles, OH)" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool&id=2f2d9a64">Mahoning Valley</a></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="110.0000">A-</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">313</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">10</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">19</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">30</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">49</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.292</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.385</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.363</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.748</td>
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<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="20.03" align="right">20</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a title="Carolina Mudcats (Zebulon, NC)" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool&id=0f4ec3b7">Carolina</a></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="70.0000">A+</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">537</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">30</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">36</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">104</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.260</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.320</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.404</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.724</td>
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<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: #ddd; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9em;" colspan="2">3 Seasons</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: #ddd; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9em;"></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: #ddd; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9em;" align="right">871</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: #ddd; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9em;" align="right">40</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: #ddd; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9em;" align="right">11</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: #ddd; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9em;" align="right">9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: #ddd; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9em;" align="right">26</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: #ddd; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9em;" align="right">13</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: #ddd; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9em;" align="right">68</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: #ddd; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9em;" align="right">158</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: #ddd; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9em;" align="right">.270</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: #ddd; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9em;" align="right">.342</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: #ddd; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9em;" align="right">.385</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: #ddd; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9em;" align="right">.727</td>
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<div class="sr_share" style="font-size: 0.83em;">Provided by <a href="http://www.sports-reference.com/sharing.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Baseball-Reference.com</a>: <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=wolter001ton&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool#standard_batting">View Original Table</a><br>Generated 11/14/2012.</div>
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<h3><b>Overall Summary</b></h3>
<p>Wolters isn't a flashy prospect, and his ceiling is that of a .290 hitting second baseman who can play shortstop in a pinch. While that won't be showing up on any top-100 lists, he is still a player who should carry some major league value, whether it be as a starter or as a utility-man.</p>
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https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2012/11/15/3647878/indians-tony-wolters-prospect-profileSpencer Schneier2012-11-08T16:00:02-05:002012-11-08T16:00:02-05:00Victor De Leon Prospect Profile
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LBZA6akVUCovbgNwBhiooIbj9GY=/0x24:974x673/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2859949/20120228_ajw_sr6_312.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>After realizing that I haven't done a pitcher yet for one of these, I decided to take a look at the intriguing Cardinals prospect Victor De Leon.</p> <p>Ranked the <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/league-top-20-prospects/2012/2614085.html" target="_blank">ninth best prospect in the Appy League by Matt Eddy</a>, St. Louis Cardinals prospect Victor De Leon has generated some buzz among the prospect community as of late. Let's delve deeper into him as he prepares to make the jump to full-season ball next spring.</p>
<h3><b>Physical Profile</b></h3>
<p>Bats: R Throws: R</p>
<p>Height: 6'2 Weight: 190 lb.</p>
<h3><b>Scouting Report</b></h3>
<p>Victor De Leon has a huge arm.</p>
<p>That was worth its own paragraph, because it's true. Victor De Leon will always show up on prospect lists because of his fastball, which consistently sits 60-65 on the scouting scale, with potential to be more. I saw De Leon pitch twice this year, once in late August and the other in the Appalachian League playoffs. Both outings featured a big fastball, sitting 94-98 and occasionally showcasing arm-side run that made it lethal. He struggled to spot this pitch, and would overthrow at times when he was ahead in the count, trying to blow batters away instead of finish them off by spotting his pitch.</p>
<p>His delivery has a lot of effort in it, involving a herky-jerky motion that is difficult to repeat, and it appeared to affect him at times. This concern has me questioning whether or not he can stick in the rotation, or if he will be limited to short stints.</p>
<p>His main offspeed pitch was a curve that sits 76-80, which flashed above-average to plus. He struggled to consistently spot this pitch in the zone, lacking both command and control. At times he could take some movement off of it to be able to throw it for strikes, but the pitch became more hittable when he would do that, leading to more contact off of it.</p>
<p>His second offspeed pitch was a perplexing one, a change-up that sat 85-87 and flashed some fade. The pitch excited me the most when it showed the fade, as it really became a weapon for him against left-handed hitters. Although the arm-action on it was far from perfect, the movement should balance that out. The development of this pitch will be crucial if De Leon is going to become a relief-ace type, as he will need to get both handed hitters out.</p>
<h3><b>Statistical Analysis</b></h3>
<p>De Leon's heavy fastball appears to have lead to a low amount of home runs, as he only surrendered one for the entire 2012 Appalachian League season. His HR/9 has steadily decreased in the minors, going from 0.92 in the Domincan Summer League in 2010, to 0.36 in the GCL in 2011, to 0.20 in the Appalachian League.</p>
<p>Although De Leon has seen his ERA rise from his DSL days, his FIP has improved each year. As you can see in the better than 1-run decrease, his improvement in K/9 (8.53 in 2012) along with the drop in home runs has led to a dramatic increase in FIP, one of the few stats worth looking at for a minor leaguer (table below looks at aforementioned stats).</p>
<p>With De Leon, it will be important to watch the walks as he progresses to higher levels and therefore better, more experienced hitters.</p>
<p> </p>
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<h4>Season</h4>
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<td style="width: 68pt;" class="xl65" align="center" width="91">
<h4>Team</h4>
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<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl66" align="center" width="64">
<h4>IP</h4>
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<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl67" align="center" width="64">
<h4>K/9</h4>
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<h4>BB/9</h4>
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<h4>HR/9</h4>
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<h4>FIP</h4>
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<td style="height: 15.75pt; width: 48pt;" class="xl68" align="center" height="21" width="64">2010</td>
<td style="border-left: none; width: 68pt;" class="xl69" align="center" width="91">Cardinals (R)</td>
<td style="border-left: none; width: 48pt;" class="xl70" align="center" width="64">49</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl71" align="center" width="64">7.35</td>
<td style="border-left: none; width: 48pt;" class="xl70" align="center" width="64">4.78</td>
<td style="border-left: none; width: 48pt;" class="xl70" align="center" width="64">0.92</td>
<td style="border-left: none; width: 48pt;" class="xl70" align="center" width="64">4.61</td>
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<td style="height: 15.75pt; width: 48pt;" class="xl68" align="center" height="21" width="64">2011</td>
<td style="border-left: none; width: 68pt;" class="xl69" align="center" width="91">Cardinals (R)</td>
<td style="border-left: none; width: 48pt;" class="xl70" align="center" width="64">50.1</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl71" align="center" width="64">5.36</td>
<td style="border-left: none; width: 48pt;" class="xl70" align="center" width="64">4.29</td>
<td style="border-left: none; width: 48pt;" class="xl70" align="center" width="64">0.36</td>
<td style="border-left: none; width: 48pt;" class="xl70" align="center" width="64">4.01</td>
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<td style="height: 15.75pt;" class="xl72" align="center" height="21">2012</td>
<td style="border-left-style: none;" class="xl73" align="center">Cardinals (R)</td>
<td style="border-left-style: none;" class="xl74" align="center">44.1</td>
<td class="xl75" align="center">8.53</td>
<td style="border-left-style: none;" class="xl74" align="center">4.06</td>
<td style="border-left-style: none;" class="xl74" align="center">0.2</td>
<td style="border-left-style: none;" class="xl74" align="center">3.09</td>
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</tbody>
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<h3><b>Overall Summary</b></h3>
<p>De Leon is an interesting pitching prospect, and depending on if he can improve his command, we could be looking at a very good reliever.</p>
https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2012/11/8/3602032/cardinals-victor-deleon-prospect-profileSpencer Schneier2012-10-29T12:45:54-04:002012-10-29T12:45:54-04:00Byron Buxton Prospect Profile
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8TUQ5xqpKz9SA0Oqi4YtPhC2wSc=/0x120:466x431/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2256181/20120419_ter_aw8_119.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>This past June, the Twins selected Georgia HS outfielder Byron Buxton second overall in the Rule IV Draft. Let's take a look at what they might have on their hands.</p> <p>When the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a> took Byron Buxton, it represented a step in the right direction for their farm system. Buxton should bring a breath of fresh air to a system that for the most part lacked toolsy, high-ceiling talent.</p>
<h3><b>Scouting Report</b></h3>
<p>Buxton is a rare up-the-middle player who could have five average to better tools.</p>
<p>Defensively there is no doubt in my mind that he can stick in CF, using his 70 speed to cover up for his rawness. As his reads and routes improve he should develop into a player that will provide defensive value in center field.</p>
<p>At the plate he is very raw, but actually was a pleasant surprise in his pro-debut this year as he showed a much better approach to hitting than scouts were expecting. He has elite bat speed and because of that has a chance to hit for some power, as well as cover for other deficiencies. His strong wrists should also help him hit for power as well.</p>
<p>Buxton has a small bat load, but has good hand positioning despite the small load. He has a wide stance, which may be closed a little bit so that he doesn't have as much pre-pitch movement. This could help him be more balanced at the plate and not have to lunge occasionally.</p>
<p>In terms of his athleticism and raw movements, he reminds me of former number one overall pick <span>Tim Beckham</span>, although I would hardly compare the two as prospects.</p>
<p>Also worth noting that John Sickels shared his thoughts on Buxton recently, you can find that <a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/10/17/3517626/my-current-thoughts-on-minnesota-twins-prospect-byron-buxton">here</a>.</p>
<h3><b>Statistical Analysis</b></h3>
<p>Not a lot to look at here, as 189 PAs spread across the GCL and the Appalachian League is hardly a sample to draw any conclusions from, but here are a few interesting things on Buxton in bullet-point form (table below):</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">He didn't show the worst plate discipline, posting an OBP of .344 despite an AVG of .248. Worth noting that in the Appalachian League and GCL you aren't going to find the highest quality of pitchers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">He went 11/14 on stolen base attempts, including 7/7 in the more advanced Appalachian League.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Four errors in 73 chances for Buxton in CF, which may be SSS noise or a sign of his rawness in center. Something to watch moving forward.</span></li>
</ul>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="739">
<colgroup>
<col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2230; width: 46pt;" width="61">
<col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1133; width: 23pt;" width="31">
<col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 3108; width: 64pt;" width="85">
<col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1426; width: 29pt;" width="39">
<col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1024; width: 21pt;" width="28">
<col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1206; width: 25pt;" width="33">
<col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1024; width: 21pt;" span="2" width="28">
<col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 768; width: 16pt;" span="2" width="21">
<col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 804; width: 17pt;" span="2" width="22">
<col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 877; width: 18pt;" width="24">
<col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 804; width: 17pt;" span="2" width="22">
<col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1536; width: 32pt;" span="6" width="42">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl64" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 46pt;" align="center" height="20" width="61"><b>Year</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 23pt;" align="center" width="31"><b>Age</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 64pt;" align="center" width="85"><b>Tm</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 29pt;" align="center" width="39"><b>Lg</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 21pt;" align="center" width="28"><b>Lev</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 25pt;" align="center" width="33"><b>Aff</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 21pt;" align="center" width="28"><b>G</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 21pt;" align="center" width="28"><b>PA</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 16pt;" align="center" width="21"><b>R</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 16pt;" align="center" width="21"><b>H</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 17pt;" align="center" width="22"><b>2B</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 17pt;" align="center" width="22"><b>3B</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 18pt;" align="center" width="24"><b>HR</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 17pt;" align="center" width="22"><b>SB</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 17pt;" align="center" width="22"><b>CS</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 32pt;" align="center" width="42"><b>BB</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 32pt;" align="center" width="42"><b>SO</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 32pt;" align="center" width="42"><b>BA</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 32pt;" align="center" width="42"><b>OBP</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 32pt;" align="center" width="42"><b>SLG</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 32pt;" align="center" width="42"><b>OPS</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl64" style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">2012</td>
<td class="xl64">18</td>
<td class="xl64">2 Teams</td>
<td class="xl64">2 Lgs</td>
<td class="xl64">Rk</td>
<td class="xl64">MIN</td>
<td class="xl64">48</td>
<td class="xl64">189</td>
<td class="xl64">33</td>
<td class="xl64">41</td>
<td class="xl64">10</td>
<td class="xl64">4</td>
<td class="xl64">5</td>
<td class="xl64">11</td>
<td class="xl64">3</td>
<td class="xl64">19</td>
<td class="xl64">41</td>
<td class="xl64">0.248</td>
<td class="xl64">0.344</td>
<td class="xl64">0.448</td>
<td class="xl64">0.792</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl64" style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">2012</td>
<td class="xl64">18</td>
<td class="xl64">Twins</td>
<td class="xl64">GULF</td>
<td class="xl64">Rk</td>
<td class="xl64">MIN</td>
<td class="xl64">27</td>
<td class="xl64">102</td>
<td class="xl64">17</td>
<td class="xl64">19</td>
<td class="xl64">4</td>
<td class="xl64">3</td>
<td class="xl64">4</td>
<td class="xl64">4</td>
<td class="xl64">3</td>
<td class="xl64">11</td>
<td class="xl64">26</td>
<td class="xl64">0.216</td>
<td class="xl64">0.324</td>
<td class="xl64">0.466</td>
<td class="xl64">0.789</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl64" style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">2012</td>
<td class="xl64">18</td>
<td class="xl64">Elizabethton</td>
<td class="xl64">APPY</td>
<td class="xl64">Rk</td>
<td class="xl64">MIN</td>
<td class="xl64">21</td>
<td class="xl64">87</td>
<td class="xl64">16</td>
<td class="xl64">22</td>
<td class="xl64">6</td>
<td class="xl64">1</td>
<td class="xl64">1</td>
<td class="xl64">7</td>
<td class="xl64">0</td>
<td class="xl64">8</td>
<td class="xl64">15</td>
<td class="xl64">0.286</td>
<td class="xl64">0.368</td>
<td class="xl64">0.429</td>
<td class="xl64">0.796</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl64" style="height: 15.0pt;" align="left" height="20"><b>1 Season</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b></b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b></b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b></b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b></b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b></b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>48</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>189</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>33</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>41</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>10</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>4</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>5</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>11</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>3</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>19</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>41</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>0.248</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>0.344</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>0.448</b></td>
<td class="xl64" align="left"><b>0.792</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<h3><b>Overall Summary</b></h3>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Buxton's ceiling is that of a plus defensive centerfielder that can hit for average and power; that's a damn good player. He could be a star, but still is a long way off.</span></p>
</div>
https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2012/10/29/3569464/byron-buxton-prospect-profile-mlb-scouting-sabermetricsSpencer Schneier2012-10-26T10:00:11-04:002012-10-26T10:00:11-04:00Scouts and Sabermetrics can get along!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bx67uifxPGgxeK2tLOGnrLfRdKk=/0x3:974x652/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2052153/20120708_jla_usa_081.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>How using sabermetric principles can help you realize that, in practice, scouting serves a great purpose.</p> <p>For some reason perceptions of a certain concepts tend to be completely off base . Let's say I wanted to compare the sabermetric method to the scouting method in analyzing a specific player. That player, over three games, went 8-12 with three walks, two doubles and a homerun. Some people have conjured up this illusion that scouting is nothing more than witnessing a player hit his basic stat line, which would lead to the conclusion that that specific hitter is very good.</p>
<p>Others seem to think all sabermetrics is about is its fancy formulas. This leads people to believe that its analysis of that player would just be his wOBA over those plate appearances instead of his batting average and RBI total. It just so happens that neither of these breakdowns of the aforementioned methods are close to representing reality.</p>
<p>The correct sabermetric method would obviously lead to the conclusion of too small of a sample size to really know anything about that player. In addition, a more exact depiction of a scouting report would detail that player's mechanics as well as ability to make contact and judge the strike zone.</p>
<p>What this article will attempt to do is define scouting and statistical analysis, what people like to call sabermetrics, in a way which will make it more clear to comprehend the differences in the methods. Once we know how they differ we can then assess when one is more appropriate to be used over the other.</p>
<p><img alt="20120725_kdl_sm8_218" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1268047/20120725_kdl_sm8_218.0.jpg" width="100%"><i>Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE</i></p>
<p>Possibly the main concept of baseball analysis is process over results. This is true for sabermetrics as well as scouting. When attempting to analyze information, one should always look to break the information down from one more complex matters into smaller simpler factors. In scouting, one tends to look at a player's raw strength to try to determine what his power potential might be. So too, when looking at statistics, instead of looking at batting average to understand a player's value, the sabermetric way is to look at a player's BABiP or even his xBABiP.</p>
<p>When evaluating a player there are a few different levels of analysis. There is the aforementioned raw talent level, which is basically some combination of a player's height, weight, speed, strength and most importantly age. Height and weight are what makes up a player's frame. If someone is 19 years old and is 5'11" and 230 lbs, beside the fact that he should probably be a running back, he clearly isn't going to be playing shortstop. The taller a player is relative to his weight, given the right strength and conditioning, that player has the potential to become a lot stronger, hence the term, "he'll grow into his body". While speed and strength are two skills that can generally be improved upon, there are clearly some individuals that are more physically gifted in these two areas than others. What people like to call "naturals."</p>
<p>The next level of analysis in scouting is understanding a player's willingness to improve, or what scouts call, "makeup". Scouts are tasked with talking to each player himself, his coaches, his teachers and his parents in order to gauge that player's work ethic and his ability to learn and succeed. Even if you're the best player in high school, if you feel as if you can compete in the majors today, that will eventually hold you back from making it to the bigs. A player can only go as far as his mental comprehension and his desire to improve let him. If you, as a scout, think a certain player is more talented than another player, but the more talented player isn't sure he wants to play baseball or become an architect than that has to be accounted for.</p>
<p>The evaluation of a player's mechanics is an addition level of analysis. It is the act of verifying if players follow proper technique in fielding, throwing, hitting and running. Does he follow through, does he know how to use his lower half, does he drive off the mound properly are all question scouts are phased with when judging a player's mechanics. A scout has to know and understand the intricacies of biomechanics, which they learn through trial and error, in order to understand which players have the most optimal mechanics. Optimal mechanics have a couple purposes. Not only do proper mechanics limit injury, but also lend themselves to flawlessly executing consistently in the game of baseball.</p>
<p><img alt="20120708_jla_sm8_118" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1268053/20120708_jla_sm8_118.0.jpg" width="100%"><i>Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE </i></p>
<p>Now that we've delved into the different aspects of scouting, you might ask yourself how these three areas relate to each other. The younger the player, the more emphasis is put on his raw talent and makeup as opposed to his mechanics. The reason for this being because the younger a player is, the easier it is to make mechanical adjustments. So while a 16 year old from Venezuela who has a ton of raw talent, but doesn't know how to properly hit a ball might have a very high grade the same is not true for a 22 year old in AA. Even if a 22 year old is supremely talented, you'll find many scouts who'll seriously doubt him if he isn't mechanically sound. You can never bank on that player properly redefining himself mechanically because of a certain level of familiarity with his current mechanics</p>
<p>Which pretty much leads up to the difference between tools and skills. The younger you are the less skillful you are, as you mature and get used to playing baseball day in and day out, your tools develop into skills. Tools, work ethic and astuteness lend to your projectability. While having great tools might keep you around the periphery of major league baseball for quite some time, skills are the name of the game.</p>
<p>Some baseball skills are throwing accuracy as opposed to just arm strength, base running as opposed to pure speed, and plate discipline. While tools cannot accurately be measured statistically through the game of baseball, skills can be quantified most of the time. Once a player gets to the major league level, his raw talent has almost completely translated itself into specific skills that turn up on the baseball field and can therefore be detected and quantified.</p>
<p>The older the player gets, the more his raw ability manifests itself through different baseball skills. Therefore the younger a player is, the less valuable his statistics are. He is so far away, physically and mentally, from who he will become that it's impossible to glean much projectable information from his play. Skill is a two way street, because it manifests itself on the field it can be recorded and quantified and therefore used to determine a player's skill.</p>
<p>Sabermetrics, is all about collecting relevant data and analyzing it, weeding out the predictive numbers from their non-predictive brethren. If there isn't enough data or if the data isn't predictive, then there isn't really any further statistical analysis needed. Therefore, the younger the player the more meaningless his statistics are. This happens to be because he's far from his true talent level. In other words, while scouting can technically take place off of a baseball field, statistical analysis is all about a player's ability to play the game right now, so the less baseball ability, as opposed to raw talent, a player has the less meaningful his stats will be.</p>
<p><img alt="148048879" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1268059/148048879.0.jpg" width="100%"><i>Photo credit: Jamie Squire </i></p>
<p>I am a firm believer in sabermetrics and its goal as stated by Bill James, "the search for objective knowledge about baseball". Anyone that does not strive toward objective knowledge in most areas, is going to eventually lose out to those who are. The issue I personally have with Bill James' statement is that it's too theoretical, though it does have some practical ramifications. If I had to specify what I consider sabermetrics to be it would be something like, "the quantification of everything that transpires <b>on</b> the baseball field."</p>
<p>So while scouting is definitely important at the major league level, it should take a backseat to advanced statistics most of the time when dealing with hitting. Though, I do want to add, in specific cases where players show signs of not following typical patterns as determined by statistical analysis, scouting and more specifically a mechanical breakdown of those players tend to help.</p>
<p>Fielding is a little problem that actually might have more in common with amateur analysis than with analyzing major league pitchers and hitters. Because fielding data is barely predictive, there really is no good way of evaluating a fielder using advanced metrics. Hopefully with the advancements in the technology of FIELDf/x this will one day be possible, but in the interim it really isn't a great option. Discussing why fielding statistics aren't predictive is probably a topic best left for another time.</p>
<p>When in comes to analyzing amateurs, especially internationally, scouting should be leaned on heavily. Throughout the minor leagues statistics become more and more reliable, but scouting is always at least equally as important if not more important than statistics. Perspective is also extremely important when analyzing a player. In other words, if a player is 20 years old, extremely talented and has a poor season playing in AA, he should still probably be valued higher that a 24 year old in AA who had a great season, but is limited tools wise.</p>
<p>Personally, I find the longer someone has been involved in sabermetrics, the more interested that person is in understanding scouting. Even with all the more recent advances in sabermetrics, like PITCHf/x and HITf/x, it still seems like something is clearly missing from the puzzle that is player evaluation especially in terms of amateurs.</p>
<p><img alt="148049379" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1268041/148049379.0.jpg" width="100%"><i>Photo credit: Jamie Squire </i></p>
https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2012/10/26/3538422/sabermetric-scouting-MLB-prospects-draftAri Berkowitz2012-10-23T12:00:11-04:002012-10-23T12:00:11-04:00Is White Sox' Future RF Courtney Hawkins?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S7btVc-6D1wNeKPH4iuNo8c--AM=/0x0:448x299/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1845805/119997563.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sara D. Davis</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The White Sox broke their tendencies last year and drafted a high-upside high school player. Let's take a closer look at what they have in Courtney Hawkins.</p> <p>Few 2012 draftees received as much buzz as Courtney Hawkins did, whether it be <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnibzRW0Cjc" target="_blank">doing a backflip</a>, impressing scouts, or being promoted to the Carolina League at age 18. After our look at Carlos Sanchez a few days ago, we will highlight another bright spot in the White Sox organization, Courtney Hawkins.</p>
<h3><b>Physical Bio</b></h3>
<p>Height: 6'3 Weight: 220 lb.</p>
<p>Bats: R Throws: R</p>
<h3><b>Scouting Report</b></h3>
<p>Scouting information via Andrew Krause. You can follow him on Twitter @Krausey13, and check out his blog <a href="http://3unassisted.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Like Starling, Hawkins’ body immediately stands out. However, unlike Starling, Hawkins does not need to add and probably should not add more muscle mass at this point in his career. The 18-year-old is listed at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, which definitely appeared accurate in person. Based on his size and athleticism alone, one can easily project power in Hawkins’ future, and a scout in attendance noted that Hawkins generates plus bat speed with his strong wrists.</p>
<p>While he patrolled center field for Bristol, the scout felt that Hawkins may have to move to a corner outfield spot down the road. I agree and was a little disappointed by his speed, as Hawkins consistently turned in 4.4 and 4.5 seconds on home-to-first splits. He does feature strong arm and looked to make instinctive reads off of the bat, so he should be fine in either outfield position.</p>
<p>At the plate Hawkins struggled a bit throughout the series. The first game he was pitched backwards almost every at-bat, which he clearly was not expecting. He took a couple of ugly swings and did not hit a ball hard. However, he showed some flashes of his potential in the final two games of the series, and he showed the ability to adjust to how pitchers attacked him. After striking out on three straight fastballs in his 1st AB of the second game, he jumped on a first pitch fastball and drove it for a double into the right-center field gap in his second at bat. Similarly, later in the series he put together some good AB and drove a 2-2 slider back up the middle for a hard-hit single.</p>
<p>While I was at first expecting a bit more out of the first-round talent, I learned that it would be foolish to expect too much from a teenager getting his first taste of professional ball. The bottom line is that Hawkins has the physical tool to succeed at the highest level—the ability to make key adjustments and respond to failure will ultimately determine just how far Hawkins will go.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3><b>Statistical Analysis</b></h3>
<p>Across three levels, Hawkins struggled to control counts, posting a 56/11 K/BB ratio, which is acceptable from someone who is just 18 years old, but a caution flag nonetheless. On the bright side however, Hawkins was able to hit for more power at the higher levels (albeit in a small sample-size), than he was for Bristol in the Appalachian League. His slugging percentages by ascending level go as follows: .408, .631, .588.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As per Andrew's report, he has the body, the swing, and the stats to show that he has a huge amount of power potential.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/league-top-20-prospects/2012/2614085.html" target="_blank">Matt Eddy at Baseball America even ranked</a> Hawkins ahead of Bubba Starling, second overall in the Appalachian League (only behind #2 overall pick Byron Buxton). Below is a statistical comparison of their Appalachian League performances.</p>
<ul>
<li> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hawkins- 159 PA, .279/.321/.408, 102 wRC+</li>
<li> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Buxton- 87 PA, .286/.368/.429, 125 wRC+</li>
<li> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Starling- 232 PA, .275/.371/.485, 135 wRC+</li>
</ul>
<p>So while Hawkins may not have performed at the same level that Buxton and Starling did in the Appalachian League, it is still promising that Chicago thought enough of him to promote him for the Carolina League playoffs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; background: white;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Overall Summary</b></h3>
<p> </p>
<p>Courtney Hawkins comes with the prototypical right fielder starter kit- a huge arm, big power potential, and too little speed for center. If everything breaks right for him, he could be an All-Star type right fielder, hitting for a lot of power and playing a good right field.</p>
https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2012/10/23/3536610/courtney-hawkins-white-sox-prospect-profileSpencer Schneier2012-10-19T12:00:12-04:002012-10-19T12:00:12-04:00Carlos Sanchez Prospect Profile
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I2kLnRX39EyftSkygVoZfKnJpDc=/0x320:3196x2451/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1644999/20121003_ajl_ar7_063.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Richard-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In a White Sox farm system known to many as weak or depleted, Sanchez stands out as a guy with some real future potential. </p> <p>In a system weakened by by over-agressive promotions and a lack of international presence, the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago White Sox</a> may have found a future gem in Carlos Sanchez. This has been a good year for the young infielder, as he's gained national attention after playing in the Futures Game and, currently, in the Arizona Fall League.</p>
<h3>Physical Profile</h3>
<p>Height: 5'11 Weight: 175 lb.</p>
<p>Bats: S Throws: R</p>
<h3>Scouting Report</h3>
<p>The biggest question regarding Sanchez is where he ends up defensively, with many scouts thinking it is second base. From what I saw, I think he can play a decent shortstop at the major league level, with my only concern being his arm. He showed good hands and range when I saw him play, and he flashed good fielding instincts and ability when watching him during pre-game drills.</p>
<p>At the plate he features a compact swing that is quick and straight to the ball. He should generate batting averages near or at .300 consistently if everything breaks right. He showed the ability both during the game and in batting practice to hit line drives to all fields. There's not much there in the way of power, and Sanchez is going to have to rely on batting average for most of his offensive value.</p>
<p>The important thing to remember with Sanchez is that at age 20, he could very easily be a sophomore in college, or a young player trying to break out of short-season leagues. So, the fact that he was doing well in the advanced-A Carolina League highlights how impressive he's been.</p>
<h3>Statistical Analysis</h3>
<p>So far through five Arizona Fall League games this year, Sanchez is batting 5-18 (all singles), and has walked four times while striking out five. Although small sample size definitely applies here, Sanchez is four-for-five in stolen base attempts in the Arizona Fall League, as opposed to the 26-for-41 rate he posted across three levels of the minors this past season.</p>
<p>Over a sample of 416 PAs in the Carolina League this year, Sanchez posted a wRC+ of 117 and batted .315. Sanchez also posted a line drive rate of 23%, improving on the 17.7% rate he posted for all of 2011. He also was able to cut down on his strikeouts, posting a K/BB ratio of 2.24 for the season, which is down from 2.55 in 2011.</p>
<p>One last interesting bit on Sanchez is that in a small sample-size (of possibly unreliable data) of 133 PAs in the Southern League, he swung at only 12.9% of pitches outside the strike zone. Please do take that number with a grain of salt, as it is a small sample-size of very hard-to-measure data, but worth mentioning nonetheless.</p>
<h3>Overall Summary</h3>
<p>Sanchez is a guy who could someday become a Erick Aybar-type player, posting good batting averages and playing both up-the-middle infield spots for a major league team.</p>
https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2012/10/19/3519858/carlos-sanchez-prospect-profile-white-soxSpencer Schneier2012-10-16T16:00:22-04:002012-10-16T16:00:22-04:00Brandon Nimmo Prospect Profile
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<figcaption>Patrick McDermott - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Young outfielder Brandon Nimmo was drafted as high-upside hitter. After 2012, do the Mets still have a potential star on their hands?</p> <p>In 2011, the Mets selected Brandon Nimmo, a mysterious Wyoming-HS product. After signing him to a bonus of $2.1 million, Nimmo put up a stellar debut in the NY-Penn League, and will look to build on it as he slides to full-season ball in 2013.</p>
<h3>Physical Profile</h3>
<p>Bats: L Throws: R</p>
<p>Height: 6'3 Weight 185 lbs.</p>
<h3>Scouting Report</h3>
<p>These reports on Brandon Nimmo are courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Dave_Gershman">Dave Gershman</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/jeffpaternostro">Jeffrey Paternostro</a> (who warns he is not a scout). Jeffrey also contributes to <a target="_blank" href="http://amazinavenue.com">Amazin' Avenue</a>, SB Nation's Mets blog.</p>
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<p>"Tall, athletic frame with loads of bat speed and quick wrists. Has everyday regular potential. He can stick in center"</p>
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<p>-Dave Gershman</p>
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<p>"Nimmo has some swing and miss in his game. His pre-swings action are much calmer now than they were in his pre-draft scouting videos, but he still has his hands very high which can lead to a long path to the ball. He's especially vulnerable to soft stuff away and left-handed pitching in general, though he otherwise commands the strike zone well. Has enough bat speed to compensate for the deficiencies elsewhere in the swing, but projects as .270 type guy for me. Pitch recognition skills suggest he will continue to draw walks as he moves up the ladder."</p>
<p>"Nimmo can barrel a baseball. Right now it's mostly gap power to all fields, but that should develop as he ages/fills out."</p>
<p>"A lot of people I talked to project him in a corner, and while I think it's possible he stays in center, it's far from a lock."</p>
<p>"Nimmo is one of the best position prospects I saw in the NYPL league this year. There is some question about his ultimate position, but if he can stay in center field, he projects as an above-average centerfielder. If he loses speed of fails to develop better instincts, he will likely have to move to left field where he's more a solid-average type guy. I see a peak line in the neighborhood of .270/.350/.420 with 15-20 home runs."</p>
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<p>-Jeffrey Paternostro</p>
<h3>Statistical Analysis</h3>
<p>As mentioned above, Nimmo flashed more gap power than home run power in 2012, hitting just six home runs, but 20 doubles and two triples. His ISO was .157 -- good for ninth in the league -- and he was the only player in the top 20 who was under 20 years old.</p>
<p>Nimmo showed gap power, but as Paternostro mentioned above, he has an advanced approach at the plate. He walked in 14.5% of his PAs in the NYPL this year, facing older and more advanced pitching. Nimmo does not come without his flaws, however, as he only posted a meager .594 OPS vs lefties. This flaw is going to be something to watch, as if he fails to figure out lefties, that could severely limit his value and make him a platoon player.</p>
<p>An important factor (as I alluded to above) in looking at minor league performance is age, and Nimmo is no exception. Of the 14 players aged 19 or younger in his league (minimum 200 PAs), Nimmo finished third in OPS, second in line-drive percentage, and first in ISO.</p>
<h3>Overall Summary</h3>
<p>Nimmo is the kind of prospect that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> system has not seen in a while, presenting a lot of upside coupled with a lot of risk. It will be interesting to watch if he can overcome his deficiencies and become a starting center fielder in the majors, or even a platoon bat. One thing is sure for Mets fans, there is certainly reason to be excited about Brandon Nimmo.</p>
<p><i>Stats courtesy of Minor League Central.</i></p>
https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2012/10/16/3509942/mets-brandon-nimmo-prospect-profile-sabermetric-analysisSpencer Schneier2012-10-06T09:34:28-04:002012-10-06T09:34:28-04:00Bubba Starling: the Royals' savior?
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<figcaption>Ed Zurga - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The "in" thing to do right now in the prospect community right now is dump on Bubba Starling, so we decided to take a look at him in the first ever Beyond the Box Score Prospect Profile.</p> <p>Bubba Starling is many things: fifth-overall pick, 7.5 million-dollar man and top prospect. He signed late last season and, because of that, he started this year in extended spring training and played with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> Rookie-level affiliate Burlington Royals. While an "old" 19, Starling flashed an awe-inspiring tool-set that is rarely seen from a prospect.</p>
<p><b>Physical Profile</b></p>
<p><b>Bats: R Throws: R</b></p>
<p><b>Height: 6'4 Weight: 180 lb.</b></p>
<p><b>Scouting Report</b></p>
<p>Starling had a big frame that offers a lot of projectability. At the plate his swing can get long at times and comes through the zone on a flat plane, with pure bat speed generating the majority of his power at this point in his career. He loads his hands too low, which causes the one-plane swing, and if he hold the hands higher he should be able to generate more power without having to square balls up. His approach is still very poor, as he struggles to recognize good offspeed stuff. Starling can work himself into bad counts when he tries to be more patient, and that is something he will have to work on to be able to draw enough walks to have MLB-value.</p>
<p>Defensively, Starling has all the tools to be a plus center fielder, flashing plus speed as well as good reads and above-average routes. He will need to work on his routes, but has all the natural talent to cover the ground necessary to play a good center field. He has a cannon for an arm, and it is not hard to see that he was a four-star quarterback recruit out of high school.</p>
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<script src="http://www.kryogenix.org/code/browser/sorttable/sorttable.js"></script></p>
<table class="sortable" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="300"><tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3">
<th align="center">Tool</th> <th align="center">Present</th> <th align="center">Future</th>
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<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">Hit</td>
<td align="center">40</td>
<td align="center">50</td>
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<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">Power</td>
<td align="center">40</td>
<td align="center">70</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">Eye</td>
<td align="center">25</td>
<td align="center">50</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">Field</td>
<td align="center">50</td>
<td align="center">60</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">Throw</td>
<td align="center">70</td>
<td align="center">70</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">Run</td>
<td align="center">60</td>
<td align="center">60</td>
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<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">OFP</td>
<td align="center"></td>
<td align="center">60</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Statistical Analysis</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first thing with Starling that jumps out is the power. He had an ISO of .213 in 227 PAs in the Appalachian League. This is made even more impressive by the fact that he hit in Burlington which, <a target="_blank" href="http://minorleaguecentral.com/parkfactors">according to Minor League Central</a>, is a suppressor of both doubles and home runs. Unfortunately, Starling had the 16th highest K% in the league (minimum 100 PAs), striking out in 30.8% of his plate appearances this season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Starling was among the leaders in the league with 27 walks, but this was probably a bit of a mirage as teams would pitch around him due to his natural ability. Starling also had a high BABIP of .368, which when coupled with the high strikeout rate would lead me to be very nervous about batting average moving forwards. When your average is inflated to .275 in rookie ball, that is cause for concern.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Overall Summary</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bubba Starling is one of the best prospects in baseball, one of the few guys who has true perennial All-Star upside. The lingering question is can he reach that ceiling? If everything breaks right, we could be looking at just that: a guy who Kansas City could bat third on a championship-caliber team. If everything breaks wrong? <span>Jeff Francoeur</span>.</p>
https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2012/10/6/3454452/prospect-profile-bubba-starlingSpencer Schneier