Monday April 23, 2012 Minor League Updates

[The DARK]

Originally Posted by dougdirt

I am not a big fan of comps. They often are full of misinformation. Some player comps are based on how the guy looks/swings, but they aren't projected for similar results. Other guys are making comps for a statistical base and I am more comfortable with that, but I really don't know who I would compare him too because I could see a fairly wide range of outcomes at this point still.

I see what you mean, and there's definitely a limit to the comps that can be made with toolsy players like Gregorius. How much power do you think he could still develop? No extra-base hits in 19 games isn't a great sign from a statistical point of view.

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by The DARK

I see what you mean, and there's definitely a limit to the comps that can be made with toolsy players like Gregorius. How much power do you think he could still develop? No extra-base hits in 19 games isn't a great sign from a statistical point of view.

He could be a 15 home run guy if he figures out how to use his power swing more often. He clearly has different swings depending on the situation. When he gets two strikes on him, he completely sells out his power for contact. When he wants to keep his weight back he can run into them pretty good.

Check out this video of him from last year. Look at the different set ups he uses.
Didi Gregorius at the plate for the Carolina Mudcats - YouTube

[dougdirt]

David Vidal has 2 home runs tonight for Bakersfield, who is up 6-0 in the 6th.

[The DARK]

Originally Posted by dougdirt

He could be a 15 home run guy if he figures out how to use his power swing more often. He clearly has different swings depending on the situation. When he gets two strikes on him, he completely sells out his power for contact. When he wants to keep his weight back he can run into them pretty good.

Check out this video of him from last year. Look at the different set ups he uses.
Didi Gregorius at the plate for the Carolina Mudcats - YouTube

He definitely put a charge into that home run. Didn't look at all like a slap hitter there. It would be nice to see him add a bit more power to his repertoire, but he seems to be doing quite capable at getting on base with his current setup. It would be great to have a guy that can adjust seamlessly between approaches like that depending on the situation, though I don't think selling out for average from time to time precludes his prospect value.

Either way, he looks like he might break into the top 100 prospect list by the time the season is out. Above-average, defensive-minded shortstops with a strong hit tool and power potential aren't always easy to come by.

[corkedbat]

Originally Posted by malcontent

Where does he play, assuming Cozart stays at SS?

Didi is a left-handed hitter and HRod switch-hits. At the very least, I think those two and Todd Frazier would give you a better (and more balanced) reserve infield than Harris, Cairo and Valdez - maybe as soon as next year. Of course Gregorious or Rodriguez could be trade bait too. Phillips, Cozart, Gregorious and Rodriguez could also allow the Reds to move Hamilton to CF (if his D does not come around @ SS).

[NeilHamburger]

The options available in Cozart, Didi, HRod and in 2 years Hamilton make the Phillips signing more and more puzzling to me. That money really could've been more useful for a big bat for left field it seems.

It kinda makes me wonder if this is a signing Bob wanted done so it got done. If that's the case it's pretty terrible.

[Red Rover]

Originally Posted by NeilHamburger

The options available in Cozart, Didi, HRod and in 2 years Hamilton make the Phillips signing more and more puzzling to me. That money really could've been more useful for a big bat for left field it seems.

It kinda makes me wonder if this is a signing Bob wanted done so it got done. If that's the case it's pretty terrible.

Phillips has proven himself at the major league level. If he can't man 2B he will be moved to 3B or LF. Phillips' contract was more for PR than need though.

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by Red Rover

Phillips has proven himself at the major league level. If he can't man 2B he will be moved to 3B or LF. Phillips' contract was more for PR than need though.

Phillips at 3B or LF is just going to hurt his value.