Mike Moustakas

by John Sickels on Jun 1, 2007 2:07 PM EDT in News

Thinking about Mike Moustakas

Baseball America's John Manuel told me on XM Radio this morning that Moustakas has really moved up on the draft boards and is ahead of Josh Vitters for some teams now. Like Vitters a California high school star, Moustakas has a much stronger arm and is a better athlete and potential defender than Vitters, although he lacks speed. Vitters has a bit more present power and plate discipline, but Moustakas is not raw and has plenty of pop himself. He also has the advantage of being a left-handed hitter. He's put up better statistical performance than Vitters this spring, but he's also been healthier, and high school stats are highly problematic in any event.

Personally I think I like Moustakas slightly better than Vitters myself, as I think he'll be easier to fit on the field defensively and should be a highly effective hitter. Signability is an issue given that he's a Boras guy and has a USC scholarship as leverage.

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Moustakas

It's interesting to note that while Moustakas and Vitters are almost neck and neck at this point, Moustakas is almost a full year older than Vitters.

Given their present tools and projectability, I still give the edge to Vitters.

Founder of the Rowdy Hardy Fan Club

by eazyb81 on Jun 1, 2007 2:14 PM EDT reply actions

Keith Richards and Mike Moustakas

Look alikes.

by DrBGiantsfan on Jun 1, 2007 2:19 PM EDT reply actions

O's

Seem like a pretty natural fit, no? Angelos gets another Greek God, and he has never been very shy about pulling out the checkbook.

"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." -Red Barber

by e 6 on Jun 1, 2007 2:28 PM EDT reply actions

How far could Moustakas fall?

He seems like a top-10, maybe even top-5, talent. But due to Boras and a commitment to USC he could fall, right? If so, how far?

I figure Price at the top, with Chicago apparently set on Vitters, assuming KC doesn't take Weiters, doesn't Moustakas fall below Weiters? If a team is willing to spend money on a Boras client wouldn't you want the older, more polished hitter who has a better chance at being a catcher?

Is it silly to think that Moustakas falling all the way to the Dodgers at 20? Between the Cubs at 3 and the Dodgers there doesn't seem like any team really willing to spend Boras-like money - and even if they do, they would probably go with Weiters.

by sanchez101 on Jun 1, 2007 5:41 PM EDT reply actions

a note

giants are willing to spend boras money....

Giants '08

by z4 landshark on Jun 2, 2007 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Something tells me...

The Cubs draft Wieters at #3, and Pittsburgh gets Vitters at #4. Just my gut feel for the situation.

If that is the case, then we're talking Moustakas probably does not fall all the way to #20. Teams like Arizona at #9 and San Fran at #10 would be willing to pick him and deal with Borass.

by guru4u on Jun 1, 2007 6:31 PM EDT reply actions