What's Going on wuth Rickie Weeks?

by dmitri on Jul 8, 2007 11:38 AM EDT Comment 4 comments

Weeks was toward the top of almost everyone's prospects list a few years ago and the #2 pick after Delmon Young in the draft. Last year he looked like he was developing pretty well (particularly given that he playing with a bad thumb) but this year he's really struggling and has had wrist problems.

John did a Crystal Ball for Weeks a couple of years ago that included a .294 career batting average and many years well above .300, with good power.

What's your projection for Weeks now based on his performance the last year and a half? Will he eventually develop into the player many expected a few years ago?

Poll

Rickie Weeks' Career

Weeks will be a superstar, hitting for high average with power.

12 votes

Weeks will be a star but not a superstar.

40 votes

Weeks will be a solid regular but not a star.

46 votes

98 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Wrist

He's still feeling the effects of surgery on his wrist.

It's not simply that, though. He can't wait on a pitch for the life of him. Lately he's been throwing his head around and trying to pull everything. And because he can't wait on a pitch, he is susceptible to breaking pitches and everyone knows it. Honestly, he looks completely lost at the plate right now.

As a Brewers fan, he's been a massive disappointment. Now, I know he's young, etc., but this is the same guy who Frank Kremblas predicted could have as much power as Prince Fielder.

There are some positive things with him. He has always been good at taking walks. And his defense is solid. But I expected more out of him, and I think everyone else did too.

Maybe next year. Maybe the wrist is affecting him more than I think.

by tyguy20204 on Jul 8, 2007 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't think he's been disappointing due to

injury... He's still relatively young and has very good athleticism. He still has time to develop his skillset. I believe he needs work on defense and he needs to tighten up his swing. I think that the wrist injury has caused him to change the load mechanism to start his swing so that there is less discomfort. It doesn't appear that he can get his hand through the zone quick enough, currently- hence the change.

Give him another year or so and he might surprise.

"Standard disclaimer: it's baseball, even if he's cooked, someone'll overpay." -drjayphd

by JT12340 on Jul 8, 2007 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wrist

if it's still hurting it sure can be all that.

Just imagine if your wrist hurts when you swing.

Do you:

a) wait for the pitch and then drive through it - which adds extra snap through the pitch causing more pain
b) start early without full range of motion and use the body to help for power - all to protect the hands

When you protect an injury many other muscles and actions are done. That is why for many injuries players should not play until 90% healthy.