Eyewitness Accounts

Reed is exactly the kind of advanced power bat that has little to prove in the California League. His raw strength and collegiate polish are a recipe for the kind of Herculean numbers he's produced thus far, and we're not going to be able to draw too many conclusions about his power utility until he gets challenged by better sequencing and fastball location at higher levels.

It's a three-true-outcome profile, and there will be ample swing-and-miss in his game thanks to an inconsistent load paired with modest bat speed. But Reed's approach is among the more advanced I've seen in the league and he shows a rare ability among hitters with his kind of raw power to get to it in games. He demonstrates patience, working counts well and attacking with a selective aggression. He's not passive and shows a willingness to both jump on early fastballs and take strikes on pitches he can't do damage on.

Though his large frame presents some limitations, Reed's intelligence in the box couples with his top-shelf strength to produce light-tower power. I'm bullish he can continue to bring a sizeable chunk of the power into games against advanced pitching and produce value despite a fringy defensive profile. The production will get discounted for the time being on account of both league and ballpark context, but Reed has legitimate impact offensive potential and projects as a potential middle-of-the-order bat in a good lineup.

Hart has a natural feel for hitting, and his barrel skills have been on display during my viewings. He is going to hit, but the lack of in-game power is a concern and will hinder his overall value. At the very least, Hart is going to provide value as a depth or bench option solely on the defense alone. There is still a wide gap between Hart's current and future hit tool.

Round Drafted: 1st round (37th overall), 2013. Signed for $1.45 million.
Why: Feel for hitting with the potential to hit for average and provide plus defense in CF.

Looks lazy at times but plays the game loose and easy. Does not work well with the Frederick pitching staff.

Sisco can't catch. After multiple viewings in consecutive seasons, I see no progression and little evidence that he will be able to handle a long-term role behind the plate in the majors. The bat has been the carrying tool, with a strong approach and contact ability. He's athletic enough to play 2nd, 3rd, or corner OF, where the bat will need to hit its potential for there to be value as a regular. The risk is still high with Sisco and he is a volatile prospect due to the defensive concerns.

Round Drafted: 2nd round (61st overall), 2013. Signed for $785,000
Why: Feel for hitting; potentially athletic enough to play C; chance for average or higher hit tool and power.