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June 22, 2017

Eyewitness Accounts

June 22, 2017

by BP Prospect Staff

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Tanner Scott
Jairo Labourt
Jon Duplantier
Forrest Whitley
Fernando Tatis Jr.
Brendan Rodgers
Sam Hilliard

Tanner Scott


	Born: 07/22/1994 (Age: 22)
	Bats: Right	Throws: Left
	Height: 6' 2"	Weight: 220

Physical: Lengthy athletic frame with long limbs, not much muscle.

Stretch only; three-quarters delivery; Exceptional arm speed; Clean arm action, well balanced throughout his delivery; Mild effort; Finishes well, squared to the plate after release.

Evaluator	Greg Goldstein
Report Date	06/07/2017
Affiliate	Bowie Baysox (AA, Orioles)
Dates Seen	6/2/2017
OFP/Risk	50/Low
Realistic	50; Set-Up man
MLB ETA	2018
Video	No

Pitch Type	Present Grade	Future Grade	Sitting Velocity	Peak Velocity	Report
Fastball	80	80	97-98	98	Mostly straight; Little effort; Left in the middle of the plate on occasion; Shows a bit more control than command; Misses all over the plate; Despite some command issues, premium velocity makes it difficult for hitters to make contact; Expect triple-digit velo in when he’s back to pitching in relief full-time.
Slider	40	45	87-89		average tilt, lacks sharp bite; Didn’t fool too many hitters; Has enough movement to keep hitters off balance when working off his heater; Doesn’t break late; Above-average athleticism leaves room to create better movement and control of the pitch.

Scott has velocity that makes you think that he can become a future high-leverage reliever when he reaches the big leagues. He produces exceptional arm speed without as much effort as you would expect, along with balance and control in his delivery. Scott still has trouble throwing strikes consistently and his slider doesn’t bring much to the table despite being just a distraction from his premium fastball. He is still young, athletic and projectable, which means that he still has room to grow into himself as a pitcher and I think that he will for those reasons. The velocity can play at the big leagues right now, he just has to improve the rest of his game at least a little more in order to become a late-inning major-league reliever that his pure stuff indicates that he can be.

Control: 30/40
Command: 20/30

Jairo Labourt


	Born: 03/07/1994 (Age: 23)
	Bats: Left	Throws: Left
	Height: 6' 4"	Weight: 205

Slowed pace of delivery versus what he's previously shown; stretch only; brings knee to waist height then drives down the mound; low-3/4 arm slow; lands on stiff front leg and drives through with leg swing that can pull him to 3B side of mound; will recoil at times; much more consistent mechanics than previous viewings.

Evaluator	Mark Anderson
Report Date	06/08/2017
Affiliate	Erie SeaWolves (AA, Tigers)
Dates Seen	06/07/2017
OFP/Risk	55/High
Realistic	50/Setup Reliever
MLB ETA	2018
Video	No

Pitch Type	Present Grade	Future Grade	Sitting Velocity	Peak Velocity	Report
FB	70	70	94-96	98	Pitch jumped out of his hand; clean release; lively pitch with variety of movement; showed sink and run at times; appears to jump at hitters when elevated, making pitch very difficult to square; generally works FB near strike zone but has limited ability to locate; frequently missed spots by a wide margin; movement and velocity allow him to get away with some missed locations
SL	50	60	85-87	88	Same arm slot as FB; comes out with FB appearance; frequent tight rotation and sharp 2-7 break; occasionally got under the pitch and lost power and bite; most finished out of strike zone; must develop ability to execute pitch within (or near) strike zone in addition to using it as a chase pitch; much more effective against LHH than RHH; pitch has played up in bursts, including improved consistency, and can be second swing-and-miss pitch.

Considerable improvement in overall consistency since last year; FB can be difficult to handle when thrown within or near the strike zone; very good combination of movement and velocity; SL flashes plus with darting action to glove side; still developing ability to mix where SL finishes -- in the zone or down and out of the zone; showed nascent CH in morning bullpen session but did not feature during two-inning stint; control remains spotty and command has not, and likely will not, develop beyond fringe-average; control/command projection likely limits the overall ceiling.

Jon Duplantier


	Born: 07/11/1994 (Age: 22)
	Bats: Left	Throws: Right
	Height: 6' 4"	Weight: 225

Big body, broad shoulders, filled out, athletic; high-three-quarters arm slot, good rhythm, arm stab, average arm speed; good extension, mild effort, finish can get a little violent; repeats delivery well.

Evaluator	Emmett Rosenbaum
Report Date	06/16/2017
Affiliate	Kane County Cougars (Low A, D-backs)
Dates Seen	05/08, 06/15/17
OFP/Risk	60/Moderate
Realistic	50
MLB ETA	2019
Video	No

Pitch Type	Present Grade	Future Grade	Sitting Velocity	Peak Velocity	Report
FB	55	60	91-94	95	Pitch features average arm-side life, can work in a two-seam variant in the low 90s, shows good north-south command, worked pitch up to generate whiffs; velocity faded in later innings; command is average now, can project a plus pitch with above-average command.
CB	40	55	76-81	82	Features two-plane break, flashes above-average movement, average depth, hard bite, manipulates speed and shape, can spin it well; command is inconsistent, has trouble finishing pitch, often hangs the ball in the zone; used as primary secondary pitch, can generate chases but concedes a lot of damage.
SL	50	55	81-84	84	Short, cutting action, features sharp, late dive, can lose feel for the pitch on occasion, generates whiffs and weak contact, consistently located down to the glove side; above-average offering, may play up due to command.
CH	45	50	81-84	84	Flashes average fade, decent feel, repeats arm speed well, occasionally loses the pitch to the arm side, locates down effectively; not much projection, but strong command makes it a useable fourth pitch.

Duplantier combines a quality repertoire with outstanding control and impressive command. He is a no-doubt starter, possessing a desirable build and fairly clean mechanics. He locates his fastball well, making him averse to walks and often putting himself in favorable counts. His feel for his secondary offerings can waver, and he presently lacks a true out pitch, but he mixes his offerings and can place them well enough to generate swings and misses. Duplantier has had both shoulder and elbow injuries in the past, but neither required surgery and he has shown no ill-affects this year. Ultimately, Duplantier offers a high probability of being a fourth starter in the majors thanks to advanced his advanced control and fastball command, with a chance of becoming a high-three starter if the feel for his secondary offerings develops well.

Control: 55/60
Command: 50/55

Forrest Whitley


	Born: 09/15/1997 (Age: 19)
	Bats: Right	Throws: Right
	Height: 6' 7"	Weight: 240

Large human, big legs, long levers, likely maxed out, could possibly add strength in upper body; plus arm speed, smooth delivery, mild head whack, clean action, over-the-top slot, great extension.

Evaluator	Emmett Rosenbaum
Report Date	06/18/2017
Affiliate	Quad Cities River Bandits (Low A, Astros)
Dates Seen	06/11/17
OFP/Risk	60/High
Realistic	50; No. 4 starter/set-up man
MLB ETA	2020
Video	Yes

Pitch Type	Present Grade	Future Grade	Sitting Velocity	Peak Velocity	Report
FB	50	55	91-93	94	Held velo through 4 2/3 innings of work, great plane, moderate tail given the arm slot, command can waver.
CT	55	60	89-91	92	Hard action, plus movement, creates whiffs, generates weak contact, mixed usage with fastball.
CB	50	60	74-76	76	Good depth, hard bite, sharp, two-plane movement, potential swing-and-miss offering, used when ahead, buried in the dirt.
SL	40	45	85-87	87	Short, power slider, below-average movement, located well to the glove side, lacked confidence in pitch, used only on RHBs.
CH	40	50	81-83	84	Good fade, above-average movement, struggles to repeat arm speed, poor command, frequently left up to the arm side, pitch currently garners swings and misses but location won't play at higher levels,

Whitley boasts a deep repertoire of tantalizing pitches, but the overall profile is still quite raw. He boasts legitimate weapons in the curve and fastball/cutter, but the slider feels like an afterthought and the change is very inconsistent right now. He doesn't throw enough strikes at present and will sometimes lose the zone entirely with his fastball. His easy delivery makes is possible to see him finding the zone with some frequency, but his size will likely prevent him from ever hitting his spots consistently. The size and stuff all point to starter, but the idea of the stuff bumping a few ticks out of the bullpen is appealing if he never learns to throw enough strikes. However, the cutter gives him a decent option to use against opposite handed hitter if the changeup doesn't develop, and his ultimate home should be in the rotation.

Control: 30/45
Command: 30/40

Fernando Tatis Jr.


	Born: 01/02/1999 (Age: 18)
	Bats: Right	Throws: Right
	Height: 6' 3"	Weight: 185
	Primary Position: SS
	Secondary Position:

Tall, thin, long legs and narrow waist; projected added muscle and mass.

Evaluator	Nathan Graham
Report Date	06/13/2017
Dates Seen	4/29, 5/13, 6/11
Affiliate	Fort Wayne TinCaps (Low A, Padres)

MLB ETA	Risk Factor	OFP	Realistic Role	Video
2021	High	55	45; Second-division Regular	Yes

Tool	Future Grade	Report
Hit	40	Tall, balanced stance, slight bat wrap which adds length to the swing, above-average bat speed, gets leverage with bat path, has some noise in swing, can get off balanced on secondary offerings, will expand the strike zone.
Power	50	Raw power to all fields, leverage and above-average bat speed in swing, in-game limited by pitch recognition.
Baserunning/Speed	60	Average 4.10 from home to first on several clocks, smooth runner, has a second gear; will play down a grade as body matures.
Glove	50	Quick, soft hands, shows average range and mobility, will make unnecessary errors by trying to make spectacular play
Arm	50	Average arm strength and carry, accurate; would play up a notch if moved from shortstop

Tatis' age, raw physical tools, and bloodline make him an intriguing prospect. Needs to clean up the swing and improve the hit tool to play up to his ceiling. If he can stick at shortstop, the power profile plays up more than if he has to be moved to the outfield.

Brendan Rodgers


	Born: 08/09/1996 (Age: 20)
	Bats: Right	Throws: Right
	Height: 6' 0"	Weight: 180
	Primary Position: SS
	Secondary Position:

Moderate frame, lacks elite size or strength, but everything is quick and controlled; strong reactions, plus hand-eye, generates force easily; lean muscle, projection for additional strength gains

Evaluator	Wilson Karaman
Report Date	06/17/2017
Dates Seen	6x May-June 2017
Affiliate	Lancaster JetHawks (High A, Rockies)

MLB ETA	Risk Factor	OFP	Realistic Role	Video
2018	Low	70	60: First-Division Shortstop	Yes

From afar has the look of an elite makeup player; highly focused player, engages thoroughly with the task at hand, doesn't take himself out of plays or situations, supportive teammate

Tool	Future Grade	Report
Hit	60	Quiet load, short stride, stays balanced, weight transfer is quick and direct; strong wrists attack the baseball, very fast into the hitting zone, plus bat speed, premium barrel control; smart hitter, has a plan, works his way through at-bats, up-the-middle approach; wants to hit, highly aggressive in the zone, advanced ability to track and drive spin and off-speed
Power	60	Projection to plus raw, swing has mild plane, will look to separate and lift situationally, power to RCF and CF, hit balls carry well; 25-plus homer potential
Baserunning/Speed	50	4.28 on three clocks, efficient stride, not a burner but moves well, heads-up runner, quality turns first-to-third; not an aggressive base-stealer but will pick his spots
Glove	55	Fluid, balanced defender, solid hands, smooth transfer; moderate range, solid-average in the hole, sound footwork and body coming across the bag; makes good reads, anticipates hops well, has an internal clock; not flashy, but a quality defender with instincts and consistent execution
Arm	60	Throws hold their line, good carry and velo, enough arm strength and accuracy to convert outs to his right, accurate across his body

The third-overall pick in 2015, Rodgers shows a premium combination of hand-eye coordination, aggressiveness, and coordination. He gets after balls in the zone with intent, using strong wrists and top-shelf bat-to-ball to generate loud contact. While his aggressiveness may be open to initial exploitation at higher levels, it's the good kind that seeks to do damage in the zone. He's a sound glove at the six who does most things at an average or better level, with a defensive sum-of-parts that plays up. This is an elite prospect with five-tool talent at a premium position. Rodgers is as high a probability to develop into a first-division player as you'll find in High A.

Sam Hilliard


	Born: 02/21/1994 (Age: 23)
	Bats: Left	Throws: Left
	Height: 6' 5"	Weight: 225
	Primary Position: RF
	Secondary Position: LF

Tall, moderate width and athleticism, slow and smooth physicality, everything's at a pace; deceptive strength, wiry muscle, the opposite of a quick-twitch athlete, but understands his body and how to make it move efficiently

Evaluator	Wilson Karaman
Report Date	06/17/2017
Dates Seen	7x April-June 2017
Affiliate	Lancaster JetHawks (High A, Rockies)

MLB ETA	Risk Factor	OFP	Realistic Role	Video
2019	Moderate	45	40: Solid Platoon Corner OF	Yes

Understated, low heartbeat player, rarely displays outward emotion

Tool	Future Grade	Report
Hit	40	Mild load; little stiff on the back leg, rolls on front toe for timing, limited weight transfer, fairly upright at launch; top hand-heavy swing, generally flat plane, gets the swing on line early, long through the zone; ability to adjust in-swing, extend, and drag barrel to balls away, will generate some oppo carry; line-drive contact, fringy barrel control, average bat speed; shows vulnerability to inner-third, elevated velo, stays on RH spin pretty well, struggles L-on-L; patient hitter, can get passive, works deep counts, strikeouts will be on higher side
Power	50	Top-spin line-drives, slices under balls, loft power to RCF, adept at backspinning fly balls up into the Lancaster winds; can push a couple out to left, power to carry balls over LF; will drop the barrel down and in, can go down and lift off-speed when sitting; 55 raw with natural strength
Baserunning/Speed	50	Significant variance home-to-first, settles around 4.2; efficient runner, shows some second gear down the line; raw in-play reads on the bases, solid base-stealing instincts, gets good jumps, effective slides; above-average speed at present, good bet to lose a step sooner than later, acumen to produce solid-average run value
Glove	50	Reads can be a little off, will take a beat to set his route, average track-and-close, good body control laying out, adjusts routes well in wind, fundamental fielder, sound corner defender
Arm	55	Plus arm strength, long gather, not the quickest release, accuracy can wander

A former 14th-rounder, Hilliard boasts a solid collection of baseball skills, offering workable corner outfield defense, some pop, and some speed. The swing is a bit unorthodox, and he tries to make up for mediocre bat speed with timing and adjustability. He'll take pitches and work walks to prop up his on-base profile, but he's not going to win any batting titles. He often struggles to stride online against same-handed pitching, bailing out and exposing wide swaths of real estate around the zone. The lack of a carrying defensive tool, couple with platoon issues, tickets him on a strong-side corner platoon track. There's enough talent here that he's a decent bet to pull it off.

Related Content: Brendan Rodgers, Forrest Whitley, Jon Duplantier, Jairo Labourt, Sam Hilliard, Fernando Tatis Jr., Tanner Scott

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