It was a discussion that kind of picked up in the game thread but I just wanted to see what people thought of his tools here. A few of the things said were that he wasn't an "elite talent" and that he only had 1 "elite tool" and he has really just made the most of his work ethic and determination.
I personally disagree. I think he has 3 elite tools.
Hit tool: Elite, obviously, probably the best pure batter in the game.
Power tool: Elite, in my opinion. Top 15 in the league since 2009 in ISO (Isolated Power). Has a 39 HR year and averages 34 homeruns per 162 games.
Glove tool: Elite...gold glover. Wasn't a strength originally but he has turned it into one.
This is just looking at traditional tools. Not taking into account athleticism, patience, bat control, bat speed, pitch recognition, etc.