Evaluating in the public realm can often turn into a big-game hunting event, with a prominent portion of the coverage directed towards the eventual major league talent. This happens because the big names draw the largest crowd, so it's not an uncommon strategy to target those players that will garner the most buzz. Player evaluation is not so cut-and-dry, however. Over the course of the season, scouts and evaluators watch hundreds of players and are grading more than just the next mid-rotation starter or potential first-division shortstop. Most of the players we lay eyes on are simply minor league filler. This series is meant to take a more detailed look at the process of evaluating talent, and hopefully provide a greater understanding of what a minor league roster really looks like.
July 31- August 2, 2015
High-A
Frederick Keys (Baltimore Orioles)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Chicago Cubs)
|
Frederick Keys |
||||||||
|
Position |
Pos. |
Hit |
Power |
Speed |
Glove |
Arm |
OFP |
Notes |
|
C |
55 |
40 |
40 |
30 |
45 |
50 |
Above-avg bat speed; swing is loose and easy; balanced; recognizes spin; moderate approach; struggles defensively with blocking; slight improvements since last viewing but the glove still lags behind; VIDEO |
|
|
CF |
45 |
20 |
60 |
60 |
40 |
40 |
Agility and speed in OF; displayed plus range and instincts in OF; made a tough play at the warning track to rob a hit; discipline and approach at plate have regressed since last viewing; no power; swing is fluid with above-average bat speed; VIDEO |
|
|
1B |
30 |
40 |
20 |
30 |
55 |
30 |
Tall and sturdy frame; lacks athleticism; avg bat speed; plus raw power; elongated swing; stays balanced; mild recognition of spin; rusty due to lack of playing time; VIDEO |
|
|
SS/2B |
30 |
30 |
40 |
45 |
45 |
30 |
Utility profile; lacks a carrying tool but is solid depth up the middle; strong makeup player |
|
|
C |
20 |
20 |
20 |
50 |
50 |
30 |
Average arm/defense; solid game manager; routinely impresses behind the plate; can play in the upper minors for a while |
|
|
1B |
20 |
20 |
20 |
30 |
40 |
20 |
Org filler that can play catcher in an emergency |
|
|
OF |
20 |
20 |
40 |
60 |
40 |
20 |
Instinctual fielder; agile; swing is not conducive for contact; lacks physical strength; org filler |
|
|
2B |
20 |
20 |
50 |
40 |
30 |
20 |
Utility filler |
|
|
OF |
20 |
20 |
60 |
50 |
20 |
20 |
Org filler that can play CF; moderate approach with ability to recognize spin; lacks the tools to play at higher levels |
|
|
RF |
20 |
20 |
20 |
30 |
55 |
20 |
Above-avg raw power; swing is rigid with below-avg bat speed |
|
|
3B |
20 |
20 |
50 |
20 |
30 |
20 |
Poor at the plate and in the field; org filler |
|
|
Frederick Keys |
|||||||
|
|
FB |
CB |
SL |
CH |
|
||
|
Pitcher |
L/R |
Overall |
Overall |
Overall |
Overall |
OFP |
Notes |
|
R |
60/70 |
|
|
|
40 |
Tall and sturdy frame; high 3/4 arm slot; downhill plane with long extension; opens up front side; inconsistent landing; has flashed avg SL in prior viewings |
|
|
30/40 |
|
|
|
||||
|
94-96 |
|
|
|
||||
|
R |
45/50 |
|
45/45 |
|
40 |
Tall frame with long limbs; avg arm speed; high 3/4 arm slot; extreme downhill plane; FB can get straight and flatten when left up in zone |
|
|
40/45 |
|
40/40 |
|
||||
|
90-92 |
|
81-82 |
|
||||
|
L |
50/50 |
|
50/50 |
40/40 |
40 |
Sidearm slot; extreme deception allows arsenal to play up; struggles to repeat mechanics, hinders command |
|
|
40/45 |
|
40/40 |
40/40 |
||||
|
86-88 T89 |
|
74-76 |
78-79 |
||||
|
L |
45/45 |
|
30/30 |
30/30 |
30 |
Clean delivery; stiff landing; flat FB; lacks a secondary pitch he can rely on |
|
|
45/50 |
|
30/30 |
30/30 |
||||
|
86-90 T91 |
|
80-83 T84 |
80-83 |
||||
|
R |
45/45 |
|
30/30 |
30/30 |
20 |
3/4 arm slot; stab; avg arm speed; inverted landing; hard drive; FB is flat |
|
|
40/40 |
|
30/30 |
30/30 |
||||
|
88-91 |
|
78-80 |
80-81 |
||||
|
Myrtle Beach Pelicans |
||||||||
|
Position |
Pos. |
Hit |
Power |
Speed |
Glove |
Arm |
OFP |
Notes |
|
SS |
20 |
20 |
50 |
55 |
45 |
30 |
Above-avg range, hands, footwork; utility profile that can play up the middle; bat provides no value |
|
|
UTIL |
30 |
20 |
40 |
50 |
40 |
30 |
Utility profile; played 2B/3B and warmed up at multiple positions pre-game; instinctual; mild barrel control; moderate approach; fringe bat speed; lacks power; depth piece |
|
|
OF |
20 |
20 |
45 |
40 |
40 |
20 |
Unbalanced swing; front side leaks open; lacks an approach; can play all three OF positions |
|
|
3B |
20 |
20 |
20 |
30 |
40 |
20 |
Lacks the athleticism to play up the middle; poor bat; minor league filler |
|
|
C/1B |
20 |
20 |
20 |
30 |
50 |
20 |
Played both C and 1B; average raw power; swing is brawny and lacks fluidity; lacks agility and footwork at C to provide anything more than value as minor league filler |
|
|
OF |
20 |
20 |
40 |
40 |
40 |
20 |
4.30 home to first; fringe bat speed; lacks a carrying tool |
|
|
CF |
20 |
20 |
60 |
60 |
40 |
20 |
Poor approach; no pitch ID; noisy swing; extreme athlete that can provide depth as a CF |
|
|
C/DH |
20 |
20 |
20 |
– |
– |
20 |
DH both games played; fringe bat speed; lacks athleticism; org filler |
|
|
2B |
20 |
20 |
45 |
40 |
40 |
20 |
Lacks a carrying tool; fringe bat speed; lacks the agility and range to play anything more than fringe at 2B |
|
|
Myrtle Beach Pelicans |
|||||||
|
|
FB |
CB |
SL |
CH |
|
||
|
Pitcher |
L/R |
Overall |
Overall |
Overall |
Overall |
OFP |
Notes |
|
R |
55/60 |
|
40/50 |
|
40 |
Athletic frame; high 3/4 arm slot; plus arm speed; moderate effort with downhill plane; FB with life; SL short and tight; inconsistent release point |
|
|
30/40 |
|
30/40 |
|
||||
|
93-95 |
|
85-87 |
|
||||
|
R |
40/40 |
|
|
|
– |
Sidearm; hops and falls off to right on landing; deception; only threw three pitches in viewing |
|
|
40/40 |
|
|
|
||||
|
84-85 |
|
|
|
||||
|
R |
45/50 |
|
30/30 |
30/30 |
30 |
3/4 arm slot; avg arm speed; stuttered delivery; falls off; inverted land; deception; delivery gets out of sync |
|
|
40/45 |
|
40/40 |
40/40 |
||||
|
90-92 T93 |
|
80-82 T83 |
81-83 T84 |
||||
|
R |
45/45 |
|
30/30 |
20/20 |
20 |
3/4 arm slot; + arm speed; deep arm action with stab; max effort; hard land; FB flat |
|
|
30/30 |
|
20/20 |
20/20 |
||||
|
90-92 |
|
82-83 |
85-86 |
||||
|
R |
40/40 |
|
30/30 |
|
20 |
Short and thick frame; 3/4 arm slot; deep arm action with stab; falls off; FB flat and straight |
|
|
30/30 |
|
20/20 |
|
||||
|
89-91 T92 |
|
79-84 |
|
||||
|
R |
40/40 |
|
30/30 |
30/30 |
20 |
3/4 arm slot; avg arm speed; moderate drive; cuts off delivery at hips; FB flat with cut; delivery has mild deception |
|
|
30/30 |
|
30/30 |
30/30 |
||||
|
86-88 T89 |
|
82-83 |
82 |
||||
|
L |
30/30 |
30/30 |
|
30/30 |
20 |
Short and athletic; 3/4 arm slot; well below-avg stuff with deception |
|
|
40/40 |
30/30 |
|
30/30 |
||||
|
83-85 T86 |
69-72 T73 |
|
66-69 T70 |
||||
|
R |
45/45 |
|
30/30 |
|
20 |
short and skinny; above-avg arm speed; deep arm action with stab; mild effort; inverted land; inconsistent mechanics and well below-avg command hinder profile |
|
|
30/30 |
|
30/30 |
|
||||
|
91-94 |
|
79-81 |
|
||||
 |
|
| Born: 12/04/1993 (Age: 21) | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 1" | Weight: 195 |
| Mechanics |
| Build: Athletic with broad shoulders; maxed.
Mechanics: High 3/4 arm slot; clean arm action; average arm speed; hips/upper half stay in unison; minimal effort; slightly inverted landing; delivery times ~1.31 |
| Evaluator | Tucker Blair |
| Report Date | 08/05/2015 |
| Affiliate | Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High A, Cubs) |
| Dates Seen | 7/31/2015 |
| OFP/Risk | 45/Moderate |
| Realistic | 40; Middle Relief |
| MLB ETA | 2017 |
| Video | No |
| Pitch Type | Present Grade | Future Grade | Sitting Velocity | Peak Velocity | Report |
| FB | 45 | 50 | 87-91 | 92 | Velocity: 50/50 Movement: 50/50 Command: 45/50 T92 once; mild downhill plane; mild arm-side run; pounds all four quadrants; command is inconsistent to gloveside; velocity dipped to 87-89 in latter innings. |
| CB | 40 | 50 | 73-75 | 76 | Movement: 50/50 Command: 40/50 Replicates arm speed; 12-6 offering; moderate depth; release points are inconsistent; works as a get-me-over and as a strike-to-ball offering; hittable when he casts; refinements in release point will improve pitch a grade. |
| CH | 45 | 50 | 82-84 | 84 | Movement: 50/50 Command: 45/50 Replicates arm speed; moderate fade; consistent velocity separation; sequences well with FB and will double up on offering; slight refinements in release point will improve offering a tick. |
| Overall |
|
Blackburn has average stuff across the board, but displays pitchability. He sequenced the entire outing, keeping Frederick off-balance and incapable of piecing together efficient swings. The ceiling is not high without a pitch better than average, limiting his ceiling to a back-end starter. There is moderate risk because he has yet to reach Double-A. Round Drafted: First round (56th), 2012 (signed for $911,700) |
 |
|
| Born: 08/17/1992 (Age: 22) | |
| Bats: Left | Throws: Left |
| Height: 6' 4" | Weight: 175 |
| Mechanics |
| Build: Tall; athletic build; high waist; long legs; maxed frame.
Mechanics: 3/4 arm slot; plus arm speed; stab; mild head whack; clean land with hard drive; front side can get stiff; repeats delivery. |
| Evaluator | Tucker Blair |
| Report Date | 08/05/2015 |
| Affiliate | Frederick Keys (High A, Orioles) |
| Dates Seen | 8/1/2015 |
| OFP/Risk | 50/Moderate |
| Realistic | 45; No. 5 Starter / Swingman |
| MLB ETA | 2017 |
| Video | No |
| Pitch Type | Present Grade | Future Grade | Sitting Velocity | Peak Velocity | Report |
| FB | 55 | 60 | 91-94 | 95 | Velocity: 60/60 Movement: 50/50 Command: 40/50 T95 three times; downhill plane; deception; armside run; life; spotted in lower quadrants entire outing; inconsistent command to glove side; touched 95 mph twice for a K on the final out of seventh inning. |
| SL | 40 | 45 | Movement: 40/40 Command: 40/40 Replicates arm speed; throws two variants; short SL 86-88 velo band; acts as a cutter; well below-average offering that lacks movement and deception; SL at 83-85 velo band displays mild sweeping action; strike-to-ball offering. |
||
| CH | 40 | 45 | 84-86 | 86 | Movement: 40/45 Command: 40/45 Replicates arm speed; mild fade; only threw three in seven innings; flashed one effective offering; release point inconsistent. |
| Overall |
|
Lee mowed down the Myrtle Beach lineup, and was promoted immediately after the game. His FB moves in multiple ways, and will be a weapon in the rotation or out of the pen. The SL/CH are lagging behind, but the slower SL plays better and the CH flashed fringe-average. The Orioles have tinkered with his mechanics since acquiring Lee earlier this season, and he repeated his delivery the entire outing. There is risk involved due to the lack of an average secondary offering. Round Drafted: Fourth round, 2011 |
 |
|
| Born: 07/10/1993 (Age: 22) | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 2" | Weight: 180 |
| Mechanics |
| Build: Athletic frame; chiseled body with strong core; maxed frame.
Mechanics: 3/4 arm slot; plus arm speed; slight stab; less head whack and spine tilt than earlier in season; moderate effort; slightly inverted foot landing; delivery times ~1.40 |
| Evaluator | Tucker Blair |
| Report Date | 08/05/2015 |
| Affiliate | Frederick Keys (High A, Orioles) |
| Dates Seen | 8/2/2015 |
| OFP/Risk | 50/Moderate |
| Realistic | 50; Set-up Arm |
| MLB ETA | 2017 |
| Video | No |
| Pitch Type | Present Grade | Future Grade | Sitting Velocity | Peak Velocity | Report |
| FB | 55 | 65 | 90-94 | 95 | Velocity: 60/65 Movement: 50/50 Command: 40/50 T95 twice; downhill plane; heavy offering at lower velo band; flattens at higher velo band; straight; works inside on hitters; move to bullpen could tick FB velo up a grade. |
| SL | 50 | 50 | 78-81 | 82 | Movement: 55/55 Command: 40/40 Replicates arm speed; hard tilt with sweeping action; strike-to-ball offering; works as his out pitch. |
| CB | 40 | 40 | 73-75 | 75 | Movement: 40/40 Command: 40/40 Replicates arm speed; get-me-over pitch; mild depth and spin; loses effectiveness after he has flashed it a few times. |
| CH | 30 | 40 | 81-85 | 86 | Movement: 30/30 Command: 40/40 Replicates arm speed; firm; lacks feel; 81 mph pitch was in the dirt; lacks deception and separation to be an effective offering. |
| Overall |
|
Hess has cleaned up his mechanics since the beginning of the season, working more efficiently towards home and cutting out the excess movement in his head/front shoulder. The delivery still has some effort and he lacks an effective third pitch, limiting his overall role. Round Drafted: Fifth round, 2014 |
 |
|
| Born: 02/05/1993 (Age: 22) | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 0" | Weight: 205 |
| Primary Position: RF | |
| Secondary Position: LF | |
| Physical/Health |
| Sturdy frame; athletic with broad shoulders; maxed. |
| Evaluator | Tucker Blair |
| Report Date | 08/05/2015 |
| Dates Seen | 7/31/15 – 8/2/15 |
| Affiliate | Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High A, Cubs) |
| MLB ETA | Risk Factor | OFP | Realistic Role | Video |
| 2017 | Moderate | 40 | 30; Org. Player | No |
| Makeup |
|
Hustles; professional attitude with respect from teammates. |
| Tool | Future Grade | Report |
| Hit | 40 | Average bat speed; muscled and rigid swing; minor hitch; moderate load with toe tap; stays balanced; advanced approach; recognizes spin; can beat with velocity inside and up; does not always barrel when making contact. |
| Power | 30 | Average raw power; slight leverage; mostly gap power; plays down in-game due to hit tool. |
| Baserunning/Speed | 45 | 4.40 home to first; out of box slow; displays more athleticism in field. |
| Glove | 50 | Clean routes; first step needs refinement, especially moving backwards; enough athleticism to play corner OF with ease. |
| Arm | 50 | Average arm strength with carry; accurate throws. |
| Overall |
|
Zagunis displays an advanced approach at the plate, but lacks the looseness and fluidity I like to see in a swing. The swing is compact but he struggles to reach power velocity. Zagunis was athletic and clean in the OF for the most part, with continued repetition allowing for an average profile in the corners. There is moderate risk due to his shift out of C and lack of time in the upper minors. Round Drafted: Third round, 2014 |
 |
|
| Born: 08/17/1993 (Age: 21) | |
| Bats: Switch | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 1" | Weight: 215 |
| Primary Position: C | |
| Secondary Position: 1B | |
| Physical/Health |
| Stocky; thick bottom half; will need to stay conditioned; frame has slight room for growth. |
| Evaluator | Tucker Blair |
| Report Date | 08/05/2015 |
| Dates Seen | 7/31/15 – 8/2/15 |
| Affiliate | Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High A, Cubs) |
| MLB ETA | Risk Factor | OFP | Realistic Role | Video |
| N/A | High | 30 | 30; Org. Player | No |
| Makeup |
|
Looked defeated at the plate on multiple occasions. |
| Tool | Future Grade | Report |
| Hit | 20 | Average bat speed; slight hitch; hands drift; swing can become elongated from right side; front side leaks open; unbalanced; mild load and leg lift; passive approach; mild recognition of spin; failed to show the same swing throughout the entire series. |
| Power | 20 | Fringe raw power; gap-style hitter with slight leverage; hit tool will not allow power to actualize. |
| Baserunning/Speed | 20 | 4.50 home to first; lacks athleticism and agility. |
| Glove | 40 | Rigid behind the plate; inconsistent footwork leads to poor blocking; struggles to move horizontally; stabs often on framing. |
| Arm | 45 | Above-average arm strength; 2.14 pop time; inconsistent footwork; long transfer; arm plays down a grade in-game. |
| Overall |
|
Caratini struggled the entire series, failing to show any consistency. The swing was highly inconsistent, even in batting practice. The defense can improve slightly, but the footwork was highly inconsistent and I question his ability to maintain an athletic frame for sticking behind the plate. There is high risk involved due to questions surrounding his positional value and the poor hit tool. Round Drafted: Second round, 2013 |
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