Moustakas: BA's H.S. Player of the Year

by eazyb81 on Jul 2, 2007 2:00 PM EDT

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/highschool/features/264412.html

I can't wait to see this kid take the field, he's a very intriguing prospect. On one hand, he's not exactly a scout's dream, as he's only 6 feet tall, a bit stocky, and doesn't have a true defensive position. On the other hand, he had a season and career for the ages, belting 24 HRs this season and finishing with 52 in his career - both California prep records.

Is this light tower power legit, or was he helped out by weak pitchers and small fields? I have no reason to doubt him, but it's hard for me to believe a kid his size could have this much power at his age. Also, could this have been just an amazing hot streak? He came into this season as more of a top 3-5 rounds guy, rather than a potential #2 overall pick.

In summation, I'm interested to see how he performs after a few months off. He has an 80 arm and has displayed 80 power, but will it last? Can he stick in the middle infield, or will he move to a corner spot?

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moose

I don't think he can stay at SS, but I think his bat will play anywhere. He only struck out TWO times the whole year, that is damn impressive. Ultimately I think he plays RF, it would be a waste to have him play 1B with his cannon.

I heard he was more of a back end first round or supplemental round guy coming into the season, but I don't remember where I heard that.

His frame is similar to Alex Gordon coming out of high school, actually. The power is there, though he may never smack 40 HR a season, he could be a .300/30 HR type.

by doublestix on Jul 2, 2007 2:17 PM EDT reply actions

You're Right

For some reason I thought Moustakas practically came out of nowhere this season, but I found a sneak peak draft preview from BA in October of 06 that listed Moose at #41, firmly in the sandwich round.

It sounds like staying at short probably won't happen in the long run, but I'd love to see him at 2nd. His bazooka arm wouldn't be of much use, but having a 35+ HR guy at 2nd would be fantastic.

Founder of the Rowdy Hardy Fan Club

by eazyb81 on Jul 2, 2007 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Re:

Here is the early BA ranking I found, not sure if it's subscriber or not:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/draft/features/262598.html

Founder of the Rowdy Hardy Fan Club

by eazyb81 on Jul 2, 2007 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

bazooka arm from 2B

he can use it to gun down guys at 3B on grounders to the right side. enough of this "playing the game the right way," says mike! now you pay! guys don't do that enough.

by wily mo on Jul 2, 2007 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions

SS

I drafted him with the 4th overall pick in my draft hoping he can stay at SS. Hopefully he can remain there. I liked his athletic ability more than Vitters which was my deciding factor.

by JD Sussman on Jul 2, 2007 2:35 PM EDT reply actions

Hey

Yea, I took him 7th overall in my league. I had a lot of 1st round picks picked up in trades. I took Price, Porcello, Parker, Wieters (1-4). I thought for sure the next guy would take Vitters and then Moustakas but, Moustakas fell to me at #7. I didn't take him thinking that KC was going to try him at SS I took him because, I love his bat and I still believe he was the best hitter in the draft.

by brewerfan84 on Jul 2, 2007 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Size

I'm not sure why being 6'0 185 (per BA) means that he can't have big power.

I actually like his size because it means that he will have a smaller strike zone and it will probably be easier to keep his swing compact.

Phillip Hughes turning into Barbaro? Odds are that Hughes will probably be put to sleep within the next year. --Bravesin08

by Dfarth on Jul 2, 2007 4:47 PM EDT reply actions

Re:

How many guys 6 foot and under have big-time power? I honestly don't know, but it seems like all the mega-power hitters are physical hulks in the Hafner, Ortiz, Howard mold.

Founder of the Rowdy Hardy Fan Club

by eazyb81 on Jul 2, 2007 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Kent

Jeff Kent -- Height 6' 1", Weight 185 lb.

Not light tower power, but perhaps a decent high-end comp for Moose. A .280 - .310 hitter, lots of doubles, 20 - 30 HR.

by tycobb420 on Jul 2, 2007 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Decent Comp

Kent is solid comp for Moose if he sticks in the middle infield, so is Utley.

Founder of the Rowdy Hardy Fan Club

by eazyb81 on Jul 2, 2007 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions

about half of the people....

....with 500 or more homers are, if I remember correctly, but my office computer is too slow to double-check.

by bleedjaxblue on Jul 2, 2007 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

re:

Manny Ramirez has had five 40+ homer years. Hank Aaron wasn't a big dude. Jim Edmonds is listed at 6'1" and really clobbered the baseball in his prime. David Wright has huge opp field power and reaches a .500 slugging every year despite being 'just' 6'0". Dan Uggla and Curtis Granderson are leading their leagues in extra base hits right now.

You don't need to be 6'2+ to have plenty of power. But you've got to get the max out of your ability to do so. Whereas I don't think Richie Sexson or Howard necessarily need to max out to hit 40 bombs.

sig: Karim Garcia posted dominant AAA stats at 19. So can we stop acting like ARL trumps all in every discussion...

by natsfan2005 @ Minor League Ball on Jul 2, 2007 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions