May 31, 2017

Notes from the Field

May 31, 2017

by BP Prospect Staff

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Wilson Karaman
Yusniel Diaz, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers (High-A Rancho Cucamonga)
Diaz's hitting mechanics are out of whack right now, team's tried to quiet down previous noise and aggressiveness in his pre-swing and launch, might've gone too far, swing lacks early rhythm at present, he's lost a leg kick he'd utilized at beginning of season, timing launching the barrel is off, struggling to get to high pitches like he used to; greatest strength as a hitter is his hands, they currently lack same explosiveness and whip off the barrel launch that he's shown in the past, not driving anything with any authority; signs of life in last couple looks, too good a hitter to not find it eventually.

Eli White, SS, Oakland Athletics (High-A Stockton)
Lean and athletic frame, room to grow into some additional strength; quick stroke, on plane and into zone quickly, flat path, will leverage it to pull side in hitting counts, covers inner-third well for longer-armed frame, cleaned out up-and-in velo with carry to pull side; runs deep counts, passive early, leaves drivable pitches on the table, shows fairly advanced command of the zone, below-average hit profile can play towards fringe-average utility with on-base skill, empty average hitter with very occasional pop; 70 runner, 4.11 with second gear, 3.9 on a reach/jailbreak, weak crossover, raw technique on leads and releases, speed plays down on bases at present; solid fielding actions, strong arm from short, should have athleticism to develop utility infield defensive profile.

Keith Rader
Jose Trevino, C, Texas Rangers (Double-A Frisco)
Short and compact; under his listed height and weight (5-foot-11, 211 pounds); toe tap and bat waggle work in unison pre-pitch; just like the body, has a short, compact swing and hands are quick to the ball; above-average barrel control; wants ball down in zone; used all fields, but the power he has is all pull; little punch to the right side; wants to be on the field, and interacted well with teammates in the dugout and on field; seemed to be at the center of everything; soothing to watch behind the plate; smooth and fluid; soft hands; comfortable and smooth blocking balls in the dirt; 60 arm - nailed Jack Lopez (NWA Naturals) with a 1.90 pop time on 5/23.

Samir Duenez, 1B, Kansas City Royals (Double-A Northwest Arkansas)
Listed at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, but appears heavier than advertised, with little to no room to physically develop; will turn 21 in June; barrel-chested with a very thick lower half, and carries most of that weight in the hips; wide setup; hands load at helmet; very aggressive early in counts and wants to take huge swings; very big stride; long swing with a slight wrap; plus bat speed; obvious leverage in swing; little barrel control when taking the swing he wants to put on ball; shows increased patience and much different approach with two strikes with shortened swing; 30 runner; slow first step in field; heavy feet.

Emmett Rosenbaum
Keibert Ruiz, C, Los Angeles Dodgers (Low-A Great Lakes)
Well-proportioned catcher’s build, developed body, will need to watch weight as he matures; healthy leg kick, drives through legs, keeps hands back, doesn’t engage upper body fully, covers the lower half of the zone well, impressive bat control, mild leverage in swing plane, strong wrists, good feel to hit, minimal power; impressive composure behind the dish, blocks well, gets down on balls in dirt, quiet receiver, fringy arm, registered 2.0 and 2.1 pop times, aided by a quick transfer; 20 runner. Ruiz is just 18, but his catching looks impressively clean. Given a few years of maturity and development, he seems like a solid bet to stick behind the plate who is equipped with a burgeoning hit tool.

Jasrado Chisholm, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks (Low-A Kane County)
Lean, wiry frame, athletic body; compact swing, mild leverage, minimal load, small hitch, line-drive swing, all-fields approach, takes his walks, a lot of swing-and-miss, below-average power potential; above-average runner, clocked at 4.16 from the left side; slick defender, fluid actions, moves with ease, explosive lateral movement, plus arm, throws carry well across the diamond. Defense gives Jazz a well-placed floor as a utility infielder, but his hit tool has a long way to develop.