02-11-2009, 02:03 PM
<!--quoteo(post=17302:date=Feb 11 2009, 11:58 AM:name=Butcher)-->QUOTE (Butcher @ Feb 11 2009, 11:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I'm only going to paste Law's comments on Vitters -- he has him ranked #14 (up from #17 last year).
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <!--quotec-->Vitters started the year slow due to a hand injury, ended up returning to short-season ball, and hit everything in sight. He has an easy, smooth, quick swing that would be that classic "sweet" left-hander's swing if it wasn't for the fact that he hits right-handed. He doesn't have great loft in his swing, but is strong and makes extremely hard contact; he led the Northwest League in doubles at age 19 and as he fills out a little bit, some of those will go over (or through) the wall. He's fringe-average at third base; he has plenty of arm and his footwork is improving, although he's not likely to ever be plus over there. If there's a concern, it's the very low walk total; he's not a hacker or even impatient, but is very aggressive, and that works as long as he's ahead of the pitchers and can make so much solid contact. If his patience doesn't improve and he doesn't continue to hit .320-plus, his ceiling will start to drop. If the patience comes, he's a potential No. 3 hitter who'll hit plenty of doubles and 25-plus home runs with a high average.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Here's the link.
You know...the more I think about it, the more I don't want to deal this kid for Peavy. He's only 19 years old, it sounds like he can really sting the ball, and we have jack shit in our system (other than him).
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And he'd be ready to contribute on the MLB level right about the time we can show Lee the door. He needs to start working at 1B exclusively IMO.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <!--quotec-->Vitters started the year slow due to a hand injury, ended up returning to short-season ball, and hit everything in sight. He has an easy, smooth, quick swing that would be that classic "sweet" left-hander's swing if it wasn't for the fact that he hits right-handed. He doesn't have great loft in his swing, but is strong and makes extremely hard contact; he led the Northwest League in doubles at age 19 and as he fills out a little bit, some of those will go over (or through) the wall. He's fringe-average at third base; he has plenty of arm and his footwork is improving, although he's not likely to ever be plus over there. If there's a concern, it's the very low walk total; he's not a hacker or even impatient, but is very aggressive, and that works as long as he's ahead of the pitchers and can make so much solid contact. If his patience doesn't improve and he doesn't continue to hit .320-plus, his ceiling will start to drop. If the patience comes, he's a potential No. 3 hitter who'll hit plenty of doubles and 25-plus home runs with a high average.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Here's the link.
You know...the more I think about it, the more I don't want to deal this kid for Peavy. He's only 19 years old, it sounds like he can really sting the ball, and we have jack shit in our system (other than him).
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
And he'd be ready to contribute on the MLB level right about the time we can show Lee the door. He needs to start working at 1B exclusively IMO.