Mike Newman Prospects Chat – 3/1/12
Mike Newman is the Owner/Managing Editor ofROTOscouting, a subscription site focused on baseball scouting, baseball prospects and fantasy baseball. Follow me onTwitter. Likeus on Facebook.Subscribeto my YouTube Channel.
You wrote an article about Yankee’s prospect Flores saying that his high BB% was an indicator of good control of the strike zone but also limited projection because he wouldn’t have the same room for growth as other prospects. Do you think high BB% limits projection for all prospects? What other major prospects have this profile?
Great question Nivra, but I can provide no easy answer. In the low minors, I’m much more interested with strikeout rates than walk rates. Of course a 2% BB rate is cause for concern because it’s so extreme, but I’d rather see a Nolan Arenado post a 5% BB rate and 13% K rate in the Sally because it indicates both elite contact skills and a need to improve his pitch selection. If/when those improvements occur, it will have a positive impact in his offensive game across the board.
As for Flores, his 11+% rate shows me he’s already identifying pitches to hit and drawing walks. How does Flores hone that skill even more? I’m not sure he does and it forces me to focus on his physical development.